Lindsey Haslam - Warrington

When Lindsey Haslam enrolled on a learndirect course little did she know that not only would it lead to qualifications in maths, English and IT, but also a job with the organisation.

Lindsey, 34, and mum to 11 year-old Aaron, wanted to gain qualifications to improve her career prospects.

"After I had my son I didn't work for a while but I wanted a job where I could progress. Because I'm on my own with my son I needed a decent income that I could rely on and I realised that working in an office was something I would like to do," Lindsey explained.

So Lindsey visited the International Learning Centre in Warrington to find out about courses which would help her reach her aim. She has since gained a level 2 qualification in English and an ITQ and is currently studying for a level 2 qualification in maths and an NVQ in Business Administration.

"What first attracted me to studying with learndirect was that the learning was so flexible. I could study at home at times that suited me, which really helped with having a child, or I could go into the centre when my son was at school. It meant I didn't have to worry about finding childcare so that I could study," Lindsey said. "The staff at the centre were very supportive and always there if I needed help.

"Studying with learndirect has given me the qualifications I needed to be able to work in an office environment and to put those skills on my CV."

Along with having specific qualifications Lindsey realised that experience of office work would be attractive to potential employers and she was offered work experience at the learndirect centre. She impressed staff there so much that when a paid position as a part-time receptionist and administrator arose she was offered the job.

"I really enjoy my job," Lindsey said. "As well as the administration side of the work I'm also able to support the other students because I know firsthand what it feels like to walk into a centre for the first time. I'm able to put them at ease, show them around and tell them what to expect.

"Since doing the courses, and certainly since I started working for learndirect, my confidence has grown. I'm now more confident to start speaking to people whereas before I would be shy," Lindsey said.

And Lindsey's achievements don't stop there. She has been appointed a learndirect Digital Champion to inspire more people to learn through the internet.

"Being able to use computers and the internet is important because it gives people independence and confidence," Lindsey said. "I'm really pleased to be a digital champion. I've been speaking to lots of people, those who come into the centre as well as my friends and family, to let them know about the benefits of using computers and I've shown lots of people how it works and helped to get them online."