Success stories
Our commitment to the community is evident in our track record of helping residents achieve their career goals and supporting businesses in building their workforce. We've also been instrumental in connecting support providers with those who need their services.
Shy to shining
Support from DFN Project SEARCH: Gaining Confidence and New Skills
When I joined DFN Project SEARCH, I was initially very shy and unfamiliar with new environments and people. During the programme, I learned valuable skills such as navigating with a map, manual handling, and customer service.
Dream unlocked
Support from DFN Project SEARCH: From College to Bus Driver
After leaving college, I was unsure about my next steps. Although I had always aspired to be a bus or train driver, I didn't have a driving license and felt this career path was out of reach. I discovered DFN Project SEARCH and was excited to be accepted onto their scheme.
Coaching transformation
Guidance from Future Bright for a Career Change
As part of my Universal Credit application, I attended a job fair at the job centre where Future Bright was offering their services. I was working in cleaning and housekeeping while studying Health Sciences at the Open University. Although I was interested in coaching, I wasn’t sure about my career direction after completing my degree, with three modules remaining.
Found direction
Support from Future Bright After University
After finishing university, I felt directionless. Despite completing a degree, I was unsure about pursuing a career in that field and found myself working part-time in retail. I lacked confidence to explore other opportunities.
Career reinvention
Support from Future Bright for Career Change
I decided to contact Future Bright because I wanted a new career challenge. I had enjoyed working as a teaching assistant at my children’s school, a role that fit well around caring for my children. However, after several years, I felt it was time for a change.
Coaching for Careers
Support from Future Bright for Building a Self-Employed Business
I am self-employed and I work as a drama facilitator for young people, delivering drama workshops. I got in touch with Future Bright because I felt like I needed some training to help me build my business. I was matched with a Career Progression Coach, who directed me to specialist training for the self-employed delivered by Cool Ventures.
Career Change
Support from Future Bright during Career Change
I contacted Future Bright because I was in the middle of a career change. Last year I left my job in the NHS to retrain as an acupuncturist while holding down part-time work. As a single self-employed mum on a low income, it can be exhausting trying to make strides in your career while worrying about finances in an unstable world.
Rebuilt and rewired
Support from the Employment and Skills Pod
I worked in healthcare for over 10 years, but in recent years my mental health had suffered. I wanted to get back into work due to financial reasons but did not want to return to healthcare as the emotional cost and impact on my wellbeing was too high.
Overcoming obstacles
Support from the Employment and Skills Pod
I had several challenges that were making it difficult for me to return to work after 4 years of being unemployed. As a lone parent, I had limited access to childcare, a limited employment history, gaps in education, and some mental health issues.
Rebuilt and restored
Support from the Employment and Skills Pod
I went to the Employment and Skills Pod after being out of work for 4 months. My confidence had been impacted by difficult relationships with management in my previous role, and I struggled to see my skills and abilities.