Success Stories: Stephanie Harris

learndirect Hounslow works with jobseekers and local employers, helping people move towards or into work. They work closely with local jobcentres such as Hounslow, Ealing, Southall, Acton, Shepherds Bush and Twickenham. As well as additional referral partners like the The Citizens Trust, National Career Services, Catalyst Housing, West Thames college and Heathrow Academy. Together, these organisations are focused on delivering services to support unemployed people such as Stephanie Harris back into work.

Improving Stephanie’s IT skills

Stephanie had spent the last 4 years at home nursing her terminally ill husband. After his death she attended a JobClub in Ealing and started with learndirect in December 2015 to improve her IT skills.

After initial concerns that she would be able to keep up with the learning, Stephanie’s confidence slowly improved as she got stuck into her course and now has more awareness of her capabilities. She has since successfully completed Digital Skills and Level 1 courses and is currently working through Level 2.

Stephanie said;

“My time at learndirect has given me a much needed confidence boost and made me realise that I still have something to offer to an employer especially now that I have gained IT skills. I have recently applied to the NHS for a position as a 111 emergency call handler and have been offered the position which I have accepted.

Whilst on the IT courses, as someone more used to paper and pencil, I have never felt at a disadvantage due to my lack of knowledge. Preeti, my IT tutor has, at all times, been patient, calm and understanding at my lack of ability.  She has given me the confidence to follow the learning modules and at all stages offered support to solve any problems…with her positive manner I have gained more and more confidence in my own abilities.

I would recommend learndirect to anyone of any age as you are treated as an individual and your needs are assessed with programmes of learning tailored…to aid future employment…”