Stephen was a full-time carer for his mum for several years until she died. He accessed advice about Universal Credit from a money support advisor, who referred him to our Love London Working Project in February 2021, to help him find work. Stephen needed to renew his CPC qualification to help him get work in logistics. We covered the course costs and he passed, but then lockdown happened.
Once lockdown eased, he applied to many jobs, including ones we regularly emailed him and had some interviews but wasn’t successful. This was disappointing, but he kept upskilling by volunteering, doing some IT training, taking on a warehousing course and attending Hexagon’s job applications workshop. He also kept in regular contact with his advisor to access information, advice and guidance.
When a part-time role came up within Hexagon, we spoke to Stephen about this and encouraged him to let us forward his CV for it, even though it was a role he hadn’t done before we felt he had the right skills. So, with his agreement, we forwarded Stephen for our Keys Project Coordinator role. He did a great interview and was offered the role.
Stephen says, “I would not have applied if it hadn’t been suggested to me. I’ve learnt I can apply my skills to different things. I’m more aware of my transferable skills and will go for different types of jobs in the future. I’m really enjoying the job. I am improving my Excel skills and enjoy communicating with residents and stakeholders. I would like another full-time job once my contract is over and feel that my recent experience will put me in a stronger position for future work. Love London Working has helped open my mind to other types of professions and broadened my horizons. It helped me see I don’t always have to do what I’ve always done. The jobs market has changed so you need to have an open mind when it comes to finding work.”
After a few months of working as Hexagon’s Keys Project Co-ordinator, Stephen was offered a full time role with a new employer and is thriving in his role there.
