Turning a hobby into a rewarding job
Published on Monday, 11 November 2024
When Lily joined our programme in April 2023, she was very shy and lacked confidence. She did not have any paid work experience and she wanted to find a job in retail. However, as our Support Officer, Linda got to know her, she discovered that Lily had an amazing understanding of computer programming as that had been her hobby for some time.
To help Lily get ready for work, Linda has enrolled Lily onto various training programmes and workshops which included work experience at a café. Her confidence was growing, so was her enthusiasm to find employment. We enhanced her CV with more emphasis on her extensive IT and programming skills. With her great GCSE results and IT knowledge, Linda advised Lily to expand her job search to apprenticeships as well.
When a Business Admin / IT apprenticeship with a local employer came up, Linda worked with Lily to complete the application online. Lily was able to use the interviewing skills she had learnt from our workshops. She was over the moon when she got the offer and began her apprenticeship in May 2024.
Lily said: “When I first joined the programme, I was timid and unable to maintain eye contact. I hardly asserted myself because I was never socially confident at the time. This programme helped me come out of my shell. I felt heard about my lifestyle and hobbies, and how that could be incorporated into my job search.
“I am now in a role that enables me to fully utilise my IT knowledge. I have met likeminded people at work, both apprentices and co-workers. I’m happy with how everything turned out. I think if you put your all into it and be patient, you can get to where you want to be.”
Linda said: “It has been great working with Lily who is open to suggestions and advice. Being passionate about what you do is the key for success. Don’t limit yourself and be open to different options. I have no doubt that this apprenticeship will help Lily build a very successful career in IT.”
If you want to find out more about the support offered by Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team, please contact the team with 0121 704 6869 or employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk.