After a complicated upbringing, living between divorced parents, Claire Samson left home at 17. Most of the time was spent living in and out of hostels. For someone as young as 17 this was a daunting experience. When she fell pregnant with her first child, she realised she needed to settle down and make something of her life in order to provide a safe, secure upbringing for her children. She was determined not to let her children fall into the situation Claire found herself in. With very few qualifications behind her, Claire realised she needed some assistance to do this.

Claire, now 24, had heard of Care Training through her sister. Claire asked her Lone Parent Adviser, Sarah, to attend Care Training. Claire recognised the benefits of coming to Care Training and how the New Deal programme for lone parents could support her to get a stable life on track for herself and her children. Nevertheless, there were a few mountains for Claire to climb before this could happen.

When she first arrived at Care Training her confidence was low. She felt like she had nothing worthwhile to contribute to her development. During the 13 weeks at Care Training, Claire completed a wide variety of courses and qualifications. She undertook both her Literacy and Numeracy courses up to level 2. Alongside this she completed her Food Hygiene and Health and Safety certificates. She has completed the CLAiT computer qualification as well as the First Aid exam. She participated in a PDP course. She shone out as a natural team leader; something for her to put on her CV and to discuss in job interviews.  

It was extremely important for Claire to find the right job. She wanted a job that would give her career prospects but would also be flexible around the most important thing of all in her life; her children. Claire spotted the advert for the job in the Evening Post. Sam, an employment advisor at Care Training, supported Claire throughout the application.

Claire starts her new job immediately after completing her course with Care Training. The job will be working in a brand new treatment centre at the Queens Medical Centre in the Digestive Diseases section. Once she is settled she hopes to start her Health and Social Care NVQ. Claire appreciates the support she has received over the years to get her life in focus; she feels it is time to pay that back and support other people.

Claire aspires to complete her NVQs and go on to the nursing courses provided through her new job. Midwifery is something Claire would love to do and will consider for the future. Ultimately, Claire wants to be a strong role model for her children and wants to make them proud.  

Claire says of coming to Care Training, “without coming to Care Training I wouldn’t have the qualifications and confidence to get the job I’ve got.”  Claire described Andrea the Health and Social Care Course provider as “amazing”. Claire feels everyone across Care Training have all supported her in some way.  

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