Case Study

Employment can play an essential role in helping individuals find a sense of purpose, which is important for overall wellbeing. Having a job provides structure, a sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to contribute to something larger than oneself. This sense of purpose can enhance motivation, happiness, and life satisfaction. Sophie's employment journey shows how finding the right job helped her discover a sense of purpose and fulfilment. 

Sophie from London is breaking disability and gender stereotypes by starting work on a construction site. The 25-year-old, who is deaf, has found a fulfilling role as a traffic marshal thanks to the Restart Scheme delivered by Ingeus. 

“I am severely deaf, but I have never allowed my hearing to affect me or stop me doing things,” Sophie said. 

Despite having completed a construction course and gaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, Sophie struggled to find paid employment. She joined the Restart Scheme following a referral from Jobcentre Plus. 

“Ingeus staff are the kindest people,” Sophie shared. “I communicated with my phone in hearing aid mode, text and email, and visited my advisor in person every two weeks where I was able to lip read.” 

Ingeus supported Sophie by helping her build a CV, giving her an interview course, and showing her how to use iWorks, our career platform. iWorks provides 24-hour access to a personalised package of online tools to help participants apply for jobs, take courses, and practice interviewing, as well as highlight suitable jobs and vacancies. Sophie was thrilled to land the perfect role as a traffic marshal. “I facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles on site such as large trucks and cranes,” she explained. “I also control the traffic and ensure pedestrians are safe.” 

As well as being a female working in a predominantly male environment, Sophie is proud to be one of several people with disabilities on site. “It can feel daunting to be a female working with lots of men, but you quickly get used to it and I find it enjoyable working with all types of people,” she added. “I am also very proud to have hearing difficulties and to prove it can’t stop you doing what you want to do.” 

Employment has given Sophie a renewed sense of purpose. “Going from being unemployed to employed has given me so much purpose and it is nice to be in a routine,” she said. “Having a job has not only provided financial stability but also a sense of belonging and achievement. I feel like I am contributing to something bigger and making a difference on the construction site.” 

Ingeus also supported her by providing two pairs of work boots, ensuring she was well-equipped for her new role. “Ingeus is absolutely fantastic, and the staff never give up on you,” Sophie said. 

Sophie, a keen footballer, hopes to learn more skills at work in the future, such as forklift truck driving and bricklaying. She is excited about the opportunities for growth and development that her job provides. 

Sophie’s Restart Advisor, Mo, said: “It was a privilege to support Sophie into employment – she embodies so many Ingeus values. She is committed and engaging, a lovely, respectful person with a good attitude to working. She takes pride in herself, attended all her appointments, and believed in the Restart Scheme team who supported her.” 

Her story is a reminder of how work can provide direction, fulfilment, and an overall purpose in life. Sophie’s future aspirations speak for themselves!   

Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, Ingeus is the prime provider of the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester and Central and West London. We also partner with Serco to support the Restart Scheme in Central West Midlands.