When one recent learner first connected with Starting Point, she was looking for a way to rebuild her confidence and find a new path. Having worked as a nurse for many years, a medical issue meant she could no longer continue in her profession. “It affected my confidence, it affected my memory, I couldn’t continue nursing,” she shared.
She decided to join our three-day intensive job application support course in Stockroom, Stockport focused in temporary Christmas work opportunities . The course helps learners build strong CVs, navigate online job applications, and boost their digital skills through intensive 121 supporting and long days of learning.
Getting to the venue was initially a challenge, the cost of transport made attending difficult. To make sure this didn’t stand in her way, we provided travel expenses so she could take part fully. That support made all the difference.
She came to the course with three main goals:
💻 To apply for jobs online
🐶 To promote her dog-walking business
😁 To improve her digital confidence
During the training, she worked on an online Level 1 Customer Service course and learned how to update and tailor her CV for different roles. With personal support, she searched and applied for retail jobs online and began promoting her dog-walking business through local Facebook groups.
By the end of the course, she left with an updated CV saved on a USB for future use and new contacts for volunteer dog-walking work. Most importantly, she left feeling inspired.
“It pushed me to keep on trying, everyone was so helpful, it was really inspiring.”
She rated herself as having improved in all three of her goal areas — especially in applying for jobs online.
Since completing the course, we are delighted that to find out that she has secured a role with a national optician chain as an Optical Assistant, working four days a week. Alongside her new job, she’s continuing to build her dog-walking business, applying her newfound digital confidence to attract more clients online.
“I felt inspired — it made me believe I was going to get a job.”
For her, the biggest benefit of the course was the confidence it gave her to take control of her future. From struggling with self-belief to landing a new job, her journey shows the power of digital inclusion and tailored support.
At Starting Point, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow their skills and confidence, no matter their starting point. This story is a brilliant example of how practical, hands-on digital training can open doors to new opportunities.
Find out more about Starting Point’s training and support opportunities email hello@startpoint.org.uk