I’ve spent 30 years working in a builder’s merchant, and until recently had only applied for jobs in this industry because of my experience and qualifications. I was just eager to start work again but applying to this industry has been difficult because age was against me – after all, it’s a very physical job.

It’s a shock being unemployed. Things that you take for granted were suddenly unaffordable. The stress of paying the mortgage and worrying when the post man came with yet another bill, was very stressful for me, I was desperate to start any work.

My work coach at Sutton JCP referred me to Strive Training to upskill my IT skills and to do the EmployabilityPlus course.

I was given an appointment to go in for an initial assessment for both of these courses. When I attended the Croydon Center I have to admit it was a little daunting – but the staff put me at ease.

I completed the English and Maths assessment and was chuffed to be able to start the Basic IT and Employability courses.

Basic IT gave me the confidence to use technology, and EmployabilityPlus gave me the tools to use this technology to find work.

I had written to several companies and been searching online but not being from a computer generation I felt that I needed at least basic computer skills. The Basic IT course really gave me the confidence to work my way around a computer and even confirmed that I actually knew more than I thought!

The Employability course taught me how to get my CV noticed. It also boosted my confidence with interview skills and preparation. The EmployabilityPlus tool was a great way to identify the skills that I already had and how I could use this to transfer to other roles that I never even thought of. That was a big breakthrough.

I would never have thought of applying to Waitrose for a Warehouse Assistant role if it wasn’t for Strive Training.

The support that I received to apply for this job was amazing, Ananta spent over three hours with me on the online application, the situational judgemental questions were challenging, and if she wasn’t there I probably would have gave up. She also helped to prepare me for the assessment that I had to attend, which included, team exercises, individual exercises and a one-to-one interview.

Thankfully, I was offered the job! And all within two weeks of completing my course at Strive. I start working for John Lewis Partnership next week and I look forward to a bright future.

Both the tutors (Elena and Joseph) I had at Strive Training made the time spent beneficial, and the whole team at Croydon made my time there enjoyable, I can’t thank Ananta enough for supporting me through the whole application process and her passion to get learners into work really is a credit to the organisation.

Being offered this job has changed my life – from being unemployed and not knowing how to pay my bills to securing a role with a reputable company where I can develop myself further and hopefully progress within the role.

If I hadn’t come to Strive, I would never have had this opportunity, I am so thankful.