When Simona, 48, joined the Fair Start Scotland service in November 2023, she was feeling socially isolated and anxious about returning to work after spending years working remotely.
Simona, from Carnoustie, had been unemployed for 10 months after her previous role as a Programme Coordinator came to an end.
Although she was nervous about returning to work, Simona was determined to find a job that would help with her social isolation and make her feel like herself again.
Simona was supported by Sonja Cargill, Remploy’s Regional Accounts Manager, who was there to help her create a new CV and highlight her transferable skills. Once Simona began to feel comfortable talking about her strengths and goals, they began looking at what training she would benefit from.
Sonja organised for Simona to attend skills development sessions, where she was supported to build up confidence, complete job applications, and prepare for interviews. She also attended sessions dedicated to Microsoft PowerPoint and delivering presentations, which helped improve her IT skills and confidence speaking in front of people.
To help relieve some of her stress during her job search, the team referred Simona to her local foodbank and helped her purchase computer software so she could continue improving her Microsoft Office skills.
In February 2024, Simona successfully secured a Learning and Development Advisor role, which she will begin in March 2024 following her PVG checks.
Simona was eager to share her positive experience with Remploy: “Following a remote working environment, I had great anxieties around returning to the office. Sonja gave me the confidence to believe in myself again. She identified key skills and qualities that I had to secure employment. The coaching and mentoring sessions were great, and they really helped me to gain sustainable employment.”
