Ernest Hill after being made redundant by updating his skills and gaining qualifications with learndirect and getting back into work

Ernest Hill, 46, from Hull, has turned his fortunes around after being made redundant by updating his skills and gaining qualifications with learndirect and getting back into work.
After having to leave the manufacturing industry due to the recession, Ernest was out of work and having to make cut-backs to survive with no money coming in.  Now having passed his maths and English qualifications and an NVQ in Business and Administration with learndirect, he’s made an impressive career change and is better off thanks to his new job and improved money management skills.

“I left school with no qualifications at 16,” said Ernest. “I’d become disillusioned working in manufacturing for a long period of time and was keen to make a change in career. Being made redundant hit me really hard but it gave me the motivation to do just that.”

“It was quite daunting being out of work and I knew I needed to get some qualifications under my belt in order to get a job and earn a regular income again. I had to make plenty of cut backs, especially on non-essentials like going to the gym as my main priority was paying for things like food and rent.

“It was really difficult to take the first step through the doors at learndirect but from that day on I’ve never looked back.”

Ernest found that learning with learndirect was very different to his negative experience at school: “All the learning is online so it’s really accessible, not like having to trawl through academic books like you might do at school. You can work at your own pace and the support that you receive from the tutors is fantastic – if you’re struggling there’s always someone there to help you through it.”

“The other benefit is that you’re learning alongside other learners,” added Ernest. “The camaraderie is great, it just brings you out of your shell. The whole learning experience has really boosted my confidence.”

“I’ve come on leaps and bounds with my new skills. I can now look after my money better in all aspects of my life on a day-to-day basis. From when I’m out shopping to managing my household budget, it helps in so many ways and I’m better off as a result. My maths skills have even helped me understand football scores and league tables.

“English has never been my strong point and I never used to take in information when I was reading.  Now I am 100% better and I understand the main points much easier.  This is really helpful for managing my household bills because I have a better understanding of letters that come through the door. 

Ernest loved being at the learndirect centre so much he arranged a placement to work as a tutor support worker with Goodwin Training Services. When a permanent position arose, he jumped at the chance for an interview and was successful in securing the position. Using his first-hand experience, Ernest is now able to help other learners who are in a similar situation to the one he was previously in.

“I’m loving every second of my new job.  I now understand the benefits of qualifications because they’ve got me to where I am now, back into employment.  It’s given me the confidence to continue to learn because I know I can progress and better myself.

“Friends were a bit pessimistic about me starting learning again at 45, but look at me now - I’ve some qualifications under my belt, a great new career and I’m better off for money as a result. Life couldn’t be better!”

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“Being made redundant hit me really hard and I had to make a lot of cut-backs to be able to survive without any money coming in.  Not only have my qualifications with learndirect helped me get back into work and start earning money again, but I now have a better grip on my spending and household bills.  I’m much better off as a result”.