A training course run by Careers Enterprise has given a helping hand to a group of parents in Maidstone to get on the job ladder.

The free course, funded by the Learning and Skills Council, the European Social Fund and U-Turn, ran at Sutton Valance Primary School during November and December. The course was aimed at helping parents over the age of 19 to return to work, paid or voluntary, or to embark on further training.

This was achieved by providing a mix of training and support, looking at building confidence and self esteem, recognising skills, writing a CV and how to approach an interview.

One parent found a job three weeks into the course and of the other seven who completed the programme, two have gained voluntary work.

The final training day was on Monday 14 December. Sutton Valence Primary School’s Headteacher Sarah Drury presented attendance certificates and all participants will receive an Open College Network award in building a career portfolio.

The sessions were set up by KCC’s Maidstone-based Parent Support Advisers Julia Humphreys and Tracey Shell, Routeways to Employment, and sheilacaulfield.com Ltd.

Tracey Shell said: “The course has helped to improve their job prospects and their self-esteem too. We got some excellent feedback. ‘Enjoyable and knowledgeable, well worth doing and would recommend to anyone’ were just some of the comments.”

For more information please visit www.sheilacaulfield.com or call Tracey Shell on 07825 380137