Cath got the boost she needed to start a new caring career at the NHS

Cath Simons, 47, from Arnold, Nottingham; Posted on March 8, 2012

"I was really nervous about the interview as I have only ever had two jobs, and haven’t had an interview in 10 years. Phil [CTEM’s Employability Tutor] is a very good tutor; he arranged a one-to-one mock interview which boosted my confidence and helped me a lot. I cannot thank him enough for his support. After my interview, I felt as though the job was mine – and it was!"

Upon being made redundant after 10 years service as a Production Manager for one of the UK’s leading commercial laundries Cath attended her local Jobcentre Plus to see if there was any support she could receive to find work. She says, “Upon seeing a lot of vacancies around the Care sector, I asked my adviser if there were any courses available to help me move into the industry, which is when I heard about CTEM.”

Cath enrolled on to Health & Social Care Skills into Work, a 4 week programme consisting of vocational training and employability support. On the programme, Cath attended lessons on the Mental Health Act and Health & Safety. She also participated in sessions focussing on interview practise and techniques.

“At first it was quite daunting coming to CTEM, like it is anywhere new, but as soon as I walked in to reception, Angela, the receptionist, was very friendly and welcoming and I instantly felt fine. By the second time I came, she knew my name which is amazing!”

Cath applied for vacancies during her guided job searching sessions and managed to get an interview with the NHS as a Domestic Assistant.

“I was really nervous about the interview as I have only ever had two jobs, and haven’t had an interview in 10 years. Phil [CTEM’s Employability Tutor] is a very good tutor; he arranged a one-to-one mock interview which boosted my confidence and helped me a lot. I cannot thank him enough for his support. After my interview, I felt as though the job was mine – and it was!”

“I could not fault anything about my experience at CTEM. All members of staff, whether they are tutors, advisers or behind the scenes, guide you to the best of their ability, they listen to you and never rush you into anything – they see your individual needs.”

Once completing the programme, Cath is due to start work out in the community alongside nurses who work with the elderly and people with mental health needs. “The programme has definitely helped me, as I can not only just use my previous experience, and I now know all the relevant background legislation. I would like to thank everyone at CTEM; they are a great bunch of people.”