Case Histories
Seetec Southend first met Tina when she took part in the New
Deal for Disabled People programme. Tina then moved onto the Seetec
European Social Funded Programme 'Progressive Steps to Work' once
her time on the NDDP programme had been completed.
Tina had recently suffered the loss of a close member of her
family who had died in her arms.
Although Tina found it very difficult at first to attend the
centre, Tina continued with her course and worked closely with
Personal Advisers Sandra & Brenda.
Somehow through this traumatic experience Tina found strength
in wanting to educate people about the potential dangers of high
cholesterol and poor diets in young people.
Seetec booked Tina on a First Aid course which would enable
her to assist someone in the event of an emergency. Once this was
completed, Tina wanted to improve her computer skills as she had
been a carer for many years and wanted a career change, Tina then
began working towards her ECDL (European Computer Driving
Licence).
Through continuous support from Seetec and Tina's
determination and drive, She began to gain more confidence and
proceeded with the guidance from Seetec to apply for jobs.
Tina has now secured a position at Southend Hospital assisting
in the rehabilitation department. The position involves home visits
and maintaining patient data, putting her computer skills to good
use.
Tina's story does not end there. Having read about Tina's
traumatic experience in a local newspaper, ITV's 'This Morning'
programme invited Tina to appear on their show to talk about her
experience.
Soon after Tina's TV appearance, Tina received a call from
celebrity chef Jamie Oliver asking her to help him in his campaign
to bring healthy eating to schools.
In Tina's words.
"I just hope that by me talking to people about my loss I can
help prevent other people having the same experience."
Opportunity Of A Lifetime
"I would never have believed a year ago that I would be
teaching English in China" said Brian, but that is exactly what he
is doing! Seetec Clacton first met Brian last year when he joined
the New Deal programmes.
Having had a consultation with Sue, Seetec's Employment
Consultant at Clacton, a career in teaching was discussed. After a
successful placement as a Tutor Assistant, Seetec funded Brian to
obtain his Trinity Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages)
"The course was tough but when I received a merit it was worth
all the effort"
Brian wasted no time once he had received his certificate and
gained a short term employment contract with University of Essex as
an English Teacher.
"Although I enjoyed my position in the UK I think I always
knew that I wanted to teach abroad" said Brian.
So when Brian found out about a post in China he made enquires
immediately. After several interviews Brian got the offer he had
been waiting for, a full time 1 year post with an extension of up
to 4 years.
Packed and ready to go with a visa, work permit, teaching
certificate and an airline ticket to Xi'an China, Brian couldn't
thank the staff at Seetec Clacton enough for their support and
encouragement.
"I can't believe what has happened to me over the last 13
weeks" said Neil. Things were very different when Neil was
first introduced to Seetec 13 weeks ago.
"When I meet Neil he had no self confidence, he was very
nervous and couldn't even make eye contact with me. I can't believe
Neil is now speaking at the House of Commons" said Kelly, Seetec's
Senior Employment Consultant in Basildon.
Neil started on the Progressive Steps programme and began
working on NLP which was a totally new experience as Neil had been
a self employed Upholsterer for many years before his life changed
dramatically.
Having successfully completed his NLP Diploma, Neil found a
new lease of confidence that drove him to be involved with focus
groups and networking with a variety of people he had met on his
diploma course.
Neil impressed the group so much with his positive attitude
that he was asked to present the new Pathways Condition Management
Programme DVD that will be available across the county.
Neil's next adventure took him to the House of Commons to
discuss his story and his involvement with the Pathways project
with many MP's including, Jim Murphy MP, Department for Work &
Pensions.
So when asked what does the future hold, Neil said: "Who
knows? Long term I would like to become a Life Skills Coach. I am a
success story and I want to encourage other people to turn their
lives around."
Lots of people dream of travelling the world and living and
working in another country but many don't take the step of actually
making that dream a reality.
Natalie, from Seetec's Southend centre has just come back from
3 months working as a nanny in a ski resort in France. A brave move
from a lady who hadn't even been abroad before! Natalie
started at Seetec on 15th February 2005 on the FTET programme to
gain her NVQ level 2 in childcare. She lacked positivity,
motivation and confidence, which affected her attendance.
However, through hard work, perseverance, determination and
the support and encouragement from her consultant Sarah, Natalie
completed her qualification and has now become a highly responsible
and confident hard working Nanny.
It wasn't all plain sailing for Natalie, after gaining her NVQ
she needed some extra assistance to help her find work and so
enrolled on Progressive Steps; an ESF programme which provides
additional back to work support. During this period, Natalie saw a
vacancy advertising opportunities to work abroad as a nanny.
The advert inspired her but she was very unsure whether to
apply for the job as she hadn't travelled abroad before, and yet
here she was considering living and working abroad!
After talking through the opportunity with Sarah her Seetec
consultant, she applied for the job and secured an interview. By
the end of the week Natalie had been offered the job and just 2
weeks later flew out to France as a nanny!
Natalie returned last week but only for 2 weeks - she enjoyed
the experience so much, she is now jetting off to spend 7 months in
Greece as a Nanny.
Natalie said "If it was not for Seetec I would not be a
qualified Nanny and would not have such a fantastic job abroad
seeing different countries and enjoying being a Nanny!"
It's not everyone's idea of a dream job but Ipswich NDDP
client Mark couldn't be happier after gaining his ideal job looking
after pigs!
Mark originally visited Seetec's Ipswich centre to gain his
security licence for door supervising but during his interview, he
mentioned that his real passion in life was to be a pig farmer but
unfortunately, there was no work available.
Mark's advisor knew of a nearby farm and after some
negotiations, managed to secure an offer of a one-week paid work
trial.
ESF funding assisted in paying for Mark's wet weather gear,
boots and travel and now it was down to the hard work of being a
pig farmer! The work trial proved very successful with Mark really
impressing the farm resulting in Mark's hard work and commitment
paying off with a permanent job offer with on site
accommodation.
The farm is very keen for Mark to progress in his job role and
would like him to gain his tractor licence, which is the next step
for Mark.
Mark said "I was really nervous when I came to Seetec as I
didn't know what to expect. Joanna was helping me write my CV when
I mentioned that my ideal job would be in Pig farming. It was
something I had done previously but had been unable to find work in
this area. Joanna instantly got on the phone and sent my CV across
to the Farm. I went for an interview and was susequently
offered a weeks paid trial. The rest, as they say, is history. I am
over the moon with my new job. I get up early every day because I
can't wait to get to work. I am filthy, I stink but I love every
second of it".
Seetec Apprentices Win Trainee Of The Year
Awards
Over the past 5 years Seetec has laid claim to numerous
trophies and certificates from these prestigious awards and this
year was no exception. This year's presentation ceremony was
held at the Civic Centre in Southend on February 20th with
approximately 300 trainees taking part in the initial
nominations.
To get to the finals of these awards is in itself quite an
achievement as companies and training providers throughout South
Essex nominate their apprentices in the hope of reaching the finals
and gaining an award. We are delighted to report that
all three of our trainees were presented with awards on the
night.
Our congratulations go to all involved in this
amazing feat.
Public House Success For Stevenage
A client of the Seetec Stevenage office has
recently completed six weeks of training success. Sarah was
referred to the Stevenage centre under Short Job Focused Training
and received assistance to study a 'Career in the Licensee
Industry', a qualification which will enable her to enter Public
House Management.
Sarah completed the course and secured a
Management position at the Waggon and Horses Public House in Herts.
Since leaving Seetec, Sarah has contacted the Stevenage centre to
express her gratitude for the "second to none' advice and training
she received.
As a result Sarah has also offered work
experience placements to other Seetec clients. A success and client
appreciation that the Stevenage centre is proud to
share.
Over 1.5 Million People Invite Seetec Into Their
Homes
When a company is finding work for one-in-two of its clients
with disabilities, it is no wonder that BBC Breakfast News takes an
interest, particularly during the week that the government is
outlining its plans to change the rules on incapacity
benefit.
Seetec, in Essex, delivers New Deal for Disabled People, a
voluntary Government programme, designed to help those who want to
work and who are on Incapacity Benefit to find a job. In addition,
Seetec is actively involved in the Essex pilot of the Condition
Management Programme, which seeks to help people manage their
condition, gain confidence and to begin thinking about the
transition from Incapacity Benefit back to Employment.
The BBC camera crew went to the heart of Seetec's operation in
Chelmsford filming our lead NDDP consultant, interviewing one of
our highly valued clients. The 'two stars' then appeared at regular
intervals on National Television throughout the day being seen by
over 1.5 million people.
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