When engineer Laura Suddens lost her job due to Covid while on maternity leave, she seized the opportunity for a big career change.
The 30-year-old from Westnewton in Cumbria, worked in the motorsport industry but fell out of love with engineering. So, she completed a qualification in HR and set about looking for a new role.
After an eight-month search, she was referred by Workington Jobcentre Plus to the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme, delivered in Carlisle by Ingeus. There, she was taken under the wing of executive employment coach Bev Nickson, helped with a new CV, and given guidance on filling out application forms and preparing for interviews.
She was also assisted with confidence building and encouraged to feel proud of her hard work and achievements. The support enabled Laura to gain her first job in the HR sector.
Laura said: “Bev has always been on hand whenever I’ve had questions and her advice has been invaluable.
“I feel I’ve changed from a shy individual with little self-belief, to a confident HR co-ordinator who actually believes in herself.”
Laura is now an HR co-ordinator for a health care provider.
“It's enjoyable, interesting, and suits my family life perfectly,” added Laura. “I haven't looked back since I started my job.”
Laura said she was very grateful to JETS, a separate strand of the Work and Health Programme (WHP.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help and support I have received, and for that I’m truly grateful,” she said. “It was daunting at first but the JETS programme really helps to break everything down and make the job search feel much more manageable.”
Laura, who enjoys time with her family walking their dogs in the Lake District and on the beach, is now planning to complete her next HR qualification.
JETS is commissioned and financed by the Department for Work and Pensions and deemed to be a European Social Fund match funded programme. Ingeus supports the delivery of JETS in the North West, Greater London, Greater Manchester, the North East and Central areas.
