Transforming Job Prospects with Foundation4Work

Foundation4work provides up to 12 weeks of free support with job seeking, CV writing, attending interviews and any other part of the process of finding work that people might struggle with. It also gives people hands on experience in a retail and warehouse setting, to gain the skills and confidence that employers are looking for.

In this blog, we share the inspiring journey of HB, who gained valuable skills through the Foundation4Work programme. By building confidence in the workplace, HB's story highlights the transformative power of tailored support and hands-on experience in boosting job prospects and self-belief.

Background

HB was unemployed and seeking paid employment. He felt his opportunities were limited and faced challenges with dyslexia and written communication. Additionally, he had a negative experience in his previous paid employment, which contributed to his self-doubt.

HB was referred to the Foundation4Work programme by GHC Employment Support and after meeting the team in October 2024, he started the programme.

Approach

Our first task together was to get to know HB better, and to identify his strengths, and and any challenges he'd like to work on. Together we identified that having some work experience to develop a broader skillset was a key area, as well as some support with the job-seeking process.

We introduced HB to the Foundations charity by explaining our purpose, history and our aim of alleviating furniture poverty in Gateshead. HB then moved on to our in-house training in areas such as manual handling, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, which are also great to add to a CV.

We then began the one-to-one tailored support that would help HB move closer towards the goals he had set for himself. We helped HB with exploring career options, updating his CV, searching for jobs, applying for positions, and preparing for interviews.

After three weeks of one-to-one support with job seeking advice, HB then started his hands on experience as part of our van crew collecting and delivering furniture, which further developed his skills to add to his CV.

Outcome

HB told us he enjoying the course and appreciated the helpful, supportive, and friendly environment provided by the staff and volunteers at Foundations. The experience significantly boosted his confidence, and he felt better equipped to succeed in future job opportunities.

HB’s Employment Support Worker at GHC was very pleased with his progress, and we all observed a shift in his overall demeanor, which had become significantly more self-assured and positive.

Impact

The skills, support, and confidence HB gained through the programme have made a tangible difference in his life. He believes that the experience will have a lasting impact on his future prospects, both professionally and personally.

HB is actively seeking employment with his revised CV and is currently awaiting the result of an application for a driver's mate position in furniture delivery, following the positive experience he had at Foundations with our van crew.

This case study highlights how HB’s time with the Foundation4Work programme has significantly increased his confidence, skill set, and employment prospects, ultimately setting him on a positive path forward in his career journey.

To find out more about volunteering and employment support in Gateshead, call the team on 0191 477 8337 or visit the Foundation4Work website. We offer one to one support, as well as free PPE and work boots for participants to keep, and can assist with travel costs to and from our charity too.