After leaving university in 2020, English graduate Kieran wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his career. That’s where Steps to Employment came in…
Since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, Kieran found himself in unfulfilling roles in retail and customer service. Working in a call centre helped him realise he didn’t want to be on the phone all day and left him feeling ‘directionless’.
After leaving his call-centre post, Mandy, a family friend who works at Burnley Together, signposted him to Steps to Employment. After ‘plucking up’ the courage to go, Kieran was introduced to employment coaches Chris Marsh and Charlotte Ellwood.
Kieran explained: “I was struggling with mental head space. I wasn’t sure of what direction I wanted to go in, but Charlotte and Chris guided me. Steps to Employment was exactly what I needed. Charlotte has a marketing background, so she found it easy to guide me”.
The 28-year-old was soon enrolled in courses to bulk out his CV and boost his marketing skillset, including a Google Digital course, iDEA bronze and a Level 3 certificate in social media & e-commerce.
Gaining more experience
To put his newly learned skills to the test, Charlotte arranged a volunteer opportunity for Kieran on the Media and Communications Team at The Calico Group. He explained: “It was good learning new stuff, and it gave me new direction. I learned loads of practical experience and learned a lot about marketing and communications”.
Darryl Baker, Kieran’s manager whilst volunteering at The Calico Group, shared: “Kieran was a really positive presence in our Media and Communications team—keen to get involved and always willing to try something new.
Head of Media & Comms Darryl continued: “I believe we have a responsibility to support people who are ready to take a big step forward in their careers, and it helps that I have a team who are all bought into the idea of helping others progress. We genuinely appreciated the time he gave us, and he fit in really well with everyone.”
Interview success
After building his courage through volunteering, Kieran decided it was time to start applying for new positions. Together, him and Charlotte filled out the application for a part-time Communications Assistant role at Hyndburn Council.
Kieran added: “Job applications can be filled with some much jargon. Charlotte helped me break them down and made me realise I’m more than qualified”.
Following two successful interviews, Kieran was offered the role and has been enjoying working in Accrington since April this year.
He added: “Mental health wise, being employed and having structure has helped me massively. It’s helped me build better habits and feel more reliable”.
Charlotte, one of Kieran’s employment coaches, concluded: “It was a joy working with Kieran. He took on ideas and suggestions. Very responsive. Very pleased he’s in the role he’s in”.
Kieran concluded: “Steps to Employment is great for people who might not know what they want to do and need encouraging to take opportunities. It’s not a case of you will do this, Charlotte worked around me and what I wanted to do.
To find out more about Steps to Employment, please visit: calicoenterprise.org.uk/steps-to-employment/
