Case Study

Henock finds his confidence – and a new job

18 Dec 2022

The double whammy of a bad back and the Covid pandemic meant that Henock was out of paid employment for four years.

But the 44-year-old sports enthusiast from north London has now landed back on his feet thanks to the JETS programme and the unwavering support of an ‘amazing’ work coach.

Father-of-three Henock remembered: “In 2018, I had an issue with my back and had to take time off work. Then Covid followed. I had no income and was struggling financially.”

He was referred by Jobcentre Plus to the JETS programme which is delivered across London by Ingeus. Specialist employability coaches provide tailored support and online training to participants in receipt of Universal Credit to help them find new work. 

Henock threw himself into the programme, attending employability workshops and training courses, learning interview techniques, and job searching skills. He also made the most of the Ingeus iWorks system to improve his CV and create cover letters.

JETS also helped fund an Agile Project Management course which Henock, whose background is in project management, IT and business, completed. His JETS work coach is Suki Bhogal.

“I have been helped by Ingeus in so many ways and my job coach, Suki, has been the most amazing, selfless, and reassuring person I have ever met,” said Henock. “She went above and beyond in coaching, advising, guiding, and supporting me through my job search journey.

“I had lost my confidence after my back issue and her support has been incredible, she has worked tirelessly to motivate me.”

Suki also referred Henock to social recruitment agency Radical Recruit for further support, who put him in touch with his new employer. 
“The Radical team has helped me to approach every opportunity, conversation, and interview with confidence,” added Henock.

He now has a job working for an advertising company as an IT project manager.

“I am enjoying the job very much, it’s a good role and I’m learning a lot, plus there are huge opportunities within the company,” he said. “I feel very uplifted, I wouldn't have been able to make such a move in my career without the help and guidance from Suki at Ingeus and the Radical team. I recommend Suki to close friends and colleagues in need of a top-tier career coaching. She’s truly wonderful and I cannot thank her enough.”

In his spare time, Henock enjoys running, swimming, reading and spending time outdoors with his wife and children.

The JETS programme’s full name is Central London Works, Work and Health Programme Job Entry Targeted Support (CLW WHP JETS) and is managed by Central London Forward to help residents in Central London who have been affected by the pandemic.