When Katie joined the JETS programme, her confidence and mental wellbeing were at a low. Eager to succeed in her chosen career path, she had faced several knockbacks, before JETS gave her the support she needed to thrive.
Below Katie tells her story,
“In 2019 I started a digital marketing apprenticeship which had its challenges during the pandemic. Unfortunately, I had to be put on furlough, luckily, I had already completed my practical work and could still finish. Although after furlough, I was offered a job, it was in a different area of the business and did not feel right for me, it wasn’t what I had been trained for. I wanted to use my skills in the digital marketing industry.
“I really struggled to find work and I was unemployed for over a year, this takes its toll on your wellbeing and my mental health began to suffer. I kept applying for roles and doing well at interview, but was always pipped at the post by someone with more experience. I was feeling lost and exhausted by it all.
“JETS helped so much, they helped me to carry on going and reassured me I was on the right path”
“During my time on JETS, I attended lots of training sessions and workshops, I had a CV and cover letter session, interview techniques session and a speculative applications course where I was able to send out applications to a range of companies, helping me to put myself out there.
What helped me most of all though, was talking to my Employment Advisor, Amber every week. Having someone to talk to, who was there to reassure me was such a big help, I needed that to know I wasn’t doing anything wrong and to keep trying.
“I am so pleased to say I got my dream job, working in digital marketing for a charity, Amber helped me prepare for the interview, I was able to go through my presentation with her, she supported me in getting that all together and despite some zoom issues- it went really well!
“My new job is in a new location and JETS were able to get me vouchers for the interview clothes and for petrol costs to help me with my move. Now I have a job where I get to help people and I am looking forward to it. I am excited to be working for a health and social wellbeing charity, it will be fulfilling to know what I’m doing is helping others.
“JETS hugely improved my confidence, I was really at loss before I started this programme but talking with everyone gave me a new perspective and made me see I was on the right path. Now I am in work I am feeling much better in myself.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I feel happier knowing I have a job, I don’t worry so much and can spend my days doing what I love. I don’t have to spend all day scrolling through the job boards or feeling guilty when I don’t get a job.
“I genuinely don’t think I would have this job if it hadn’t been for JETS. They helped me reach for a higher level, because of the confidence they gave me I was able to succeed above and beyond my expectations.
“I can’t wait to start my new career, having a routine is really good for me and I am really looking forward to having a set structure back in my life”.
Employment Advisor, Amber said:
“Katie worked with me for a while and had a lot of ups and downs as she has been unsuccessful on a few interviews which has really knocked her confidence. We worked closely together and had appointments via Teams weekly to try rebuilding her confidence and get her ready for interviews. JETS got her some training on software’s that would help within the Marketing industry. After a prep talk with her and one of our trainers, Katie then had a few interviews over a few days and she came out the other side with a successful job offer with a salary she could never imagine!
Katie’s confidence has grown massively with the help of the Health and Wellbeing team who were also working closely with her throughout her journey.
We are all really proud of her success- well done Katie!
Area: Devon
The Work and Health JETS programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the European Social Fund.
