Janet was unemployed for 15 years whilst she was a full-time mother. Once her children were old enough she wanted to return to work but didn’t have the confidence or the qualifications to do so, or any idea of the career she wanted to pursue.

Her IAG (a report detailing Information, Advice and Guidance suggestions for an individual after they have completed their initial interview) with Woman and Work recommended she undertake literacy and numeracy courses through her local college.

Janet passed her Level 1 Literacy Course, her Level 2 Interpersonal Skills qualification and a Level 1 Fresh Start course run by the college.

Janet became ill during the initial few weeks of her Fresh Start course, so she had to work even harder to catch up with her peers, whilst simultaneously overcoming her lack of confidence.

Janet says her time with Women and Work has “brought her confidence back and ‘made’ her go out and do the things she really wanted to do.” She believes Women and Work have set her on the path towards where she really wants to go.

Janet is currently completing her Level 2 literacy course, and also working at a local school for 1 hour a day as part of the Learner Support team. She is also studying for her Childcare Level 1 qualification, using the opportunity to work towards her goal of ultimately working in a nursery or crèche environment, doing the work she enjoys.