Being a parent can be considered a proper job – it takes a lot of time and effort to care for children. It could be hard, as a parent, to take care of your own needs, physical and emotional, especially when you’re trying to improve your situation. But this is not a journey you have to take on your own.
Many organisations in North Lanarkshire help parents get on track to achieve their goals, and Routes to Work are one of them. Through the Scottish Government funded project called Working for Families, we can help and support parents of North Lanarkshire back into work. The support for unemployed parents often includes funding for training and qualifications, providing health interventions, life coaching sessions and personal development, as well as support with childcare.
If you are in low-paid work we can support you increase your salary, increase your hours or move to a more secure role with better prospects. Whatever support you need – we are here to provide it.
But what does that look like in practice? Our client Jennifer, a single parent of four, worked closely with her Routes to Work caseworker Jane and has now started her desired job. Here’s her story.
Jennifer came to Routes to Work in 2022 after being referred by the Job Centre. She was looking to return to the housing/property field but needed help with her CV, applications, cover letters, and job-supporting statements. On top of that, living on Universal Credit meant she needed financial advice. A major barrier to her desired career path was a lack of qualifications. Her confidence was also low, as her current situation was causing her additional stress.
Regular meetings with Jane addressed not only the practicalities of job hunting but also her health and well-being. Recognising her financial situation, her caseworker connected her with Michael from the North Lanarkshire Council’s welfare team for expert guidance. Childcare support was also arranged through our childcare caseworker.
Jennifer was determined to gain the Arla Qualification, which she needed to work in the housing/property field. Therefore, Jane was able to secure a place for her to complete the training course, overcoming the obstacle of upfront costs. While Jennifer was eager to get started quickly, she's now successfully achieved her qualification and waiting on her certificate.
Another barrier for Jennifer was interview confidence. She felt apprehensive, as she hadn’t had an interview in years. Jane provided invaluable support, helping her believe in herself and her skills. Together they practiced interview techniques and how to effectively communicate her experience to potential employers.
This newfound confidence has paid off, as Jennifer was successful in multiple interviews and has now started a new position as a housing officer within a housing office – exactly the job she was hoping for.
Do you find yourself in a similar situation to Jeniffer’s? It’s always worth seeking support from people like Jane, who know how to help you achieve your goals. Give Routes to Work a try!
Get in touch with us through the button below, or give us a call at 0800 783 4731. We can’t wait to hear from you!