Meet Elaine – Ignite Participant and Volunteer

When Elaine first walked into Employability Solutions she had been unemployed for six years, she felt like she had zero confidence, no skills and was daunted by the idea of finding a job. With some trepidation Elaine participated in Ignite – a 12 week, intensive personal and professional development programme that was funded by WEA / ESF Community Learning Grants programme 2014-15.

Over the twelve weeks Elaine examined her self-limiting beliefs and identified those “perceived barriers” that were getting in the way of her taking action toward actively pursuing a career in administration, something she always dreamed of.

The course created the circumstances in which Elaine could grow her confidence through coaching and opportunities to push herself beyond her comfort zone, Elaine was soon standing up and speaking in front of people – something she thought she’d never be able to do.

The course taught participants how to identify and utilise personal skills, gifts and talents and apply those attributes to a work situation – every participant as part of the course got to do 30 hours work experience in their dream job.

For Elaine this opportunity was offered by Employability Solutions.

“We jumped at the chance to support Elaine, her vibrancy and dedication toward her own transformation really fit our organisations ethos, plus the fact that we were a growing local social enterprise who really needed administrative help” – Sarah Riley – Business Manager – Employability Solutions.

The 30 hours work experience soon turned into regular volunteering and fast forward six months Elaine has gone onto to improve her Maths, English and IT and is about to enrol on an NVQ in Business Administration, but this is nothing compared to how far she feels she has come personally.

“Ignite literally transformed me as a person and gave me the spark I needed to pursue something I am passionate about – I have OCD, and this really stopped me from leaving the house at times, the course pushed me to look at myself, my home life, my family and my future – I realised that my obsession with order and neatness was welcomed and valued in the workplace – I have volunteered with Employability Solutions for the past six months and have gone from doing admin behind the scenes to being the face of the business – I love it, I love the team but above all I LOVE the young people that attend out community education … Following a recent interview I have been offered a full time position.” – Elaine Bowler – IGNITE participant and Administrator at Employability Solutions, head office in Garston, Liverpool.

Volunteer Week

Let me introduce you to “our Desy”, our volunteer cook at Employability Solutions. We said thank you, to Desy during #volunteerweek for all
his hard work and dedication!
Don’t let illness get in the way of you being involved in stuff that makes you feel good. Desy has been instrumental in providing hot, healthy, home-made meals to our young people and their families helping us to fulfil our mission to ensure #nochildgoeshungry for that past year. He has made a massive difference to their nutrition and is combating food poverty by cooking with LOVE @ Employability Solutions. If you are interested in sharing your skills, giving back and making a difference then get in touch.
We have volunteering opportunities in Liverpool and Huddersfield NOW!