Susan Lewis from Whifflet joined NLC customised training in December 2007 and took part in our pilot training programme with Northline.

She moved into employment with Northline in February 2008. (Northline is the Council’s Contact Centre)

Susan comments

"Following redundancy, I was unemployed for 4 years.  When I was made redundant, I had 1 child who was 5 months old and decided that before I looked for another job I would have another baby, because I didn't want to start a new job and then have to go off on Maternity leave.

The training programme allowed me to update my skills and get some current work experience.  I received support from my placement supervisor and the course Co-ordinator.
 
More than anything through the course I gained confidence and in a way I feel I got my life back.  I work part time hours and this fits in with my family commitments.
 
I have met loads of new people, and I love being amongst adults again and being able to talk about things other than the kids and telly!
 
I feel alot better in myself, I have something to get up for in the morning and I feel better about myself because I pay my own way."

Manager comments

“Susan gained employment as a Customer Services Assistant within North Lanarkshire Council’s Housing & Social Work Services, and is located within the Councils Customer Contact Centre as part of a front line team delivering the Councils repairs & maintenance service to our tenants.
Susan has settled in very well to this demanding post which can be attributed to North Lanarkshire Council’s customised training programme which has prepared her for employment, she is now a valued member of the team and benefits from continual job coaching and training which has allowed her to build on her previous skills. “