Jeremy (or Jez!) is a learner with a story we really want to shout about. It’s a success story that begins with Jeremy leaving prison with a negative outlook on life.
Jeremy was homeless when he first came out of prison; couch surfing between friends and staying in hostels. He didn’t feel supported and thought, ‘I might as well go back, there’s nothing for me out here.’
He started attending the Job Centre at the time, and this is where his work coach put him in touch with Graham, who is part of our Business Development team. Graham regularly visits the Job Centres to let jobseekers know about the free training courses we offer, since most of our courses include guaranteed job interviews and support with the likes of CV writing and interview skills.
Jeremy enrolled onto one of our Warehouse & Logistics courses but nearly didn’t make it past the first day.
Ady Edwards, Jeremy’s tutor on the course said:
“When I first met Jeremy, he had this ‘I’m ready to fail’ attitude. It was like a barrier that wasn’t allowing him to move forward. I knew that in order for him to be successful on the course, that needed to change.
Graham and I talked to him about the opportunity in front of him, and discussed how we were happy to support him throughout to course if he changed his mind set and fully engaged.
It was clear that he had the confidence and ability to complete the course, but he needed to improve his behaviour and attitude in order to succeed.”
The following day Jeremy did return and brought with him a different attitude. He came into class and he listened quietly and asked insightful questions, and soon started engaging fully, becoming one of the most vocal members of the cohort
Ady went on to say:
“Jeremy had almost wanted to fight me on day one, but he’d been given another chance, and that’s something he’d never really had before. So, I think something clicked for him then, and he decided to take hold of this opportunity.”
At the end of the two-week course, Jeremy successfully passed and was put forward for a job interview with TJ Morris, one of the many employers Complete Skills Solutions work with. He impressed in his interview and was offered a job as a Warehouse Operative within Home Bargain.
When asked about his experience and journey, Jeremy said:
“Getting on a course and taking part was initially hard for someone like me. I wasn’t really used to a classroom environment, and I’m not much of a good listener. So my first day was a bit rocky. I needed to get comfortable and develop an understanding between myself and my tutor, Ady. But once I understood what was needed from me, we actually got on really well. He helped me a lot, and it was a brilliant course.
It was nice meeting new people on the course, too. Sitting down and talking to everyone – getting their insights and getting to know their backgrounds. It helped me realise that this is something I can actually do, and I got my motivation back.
I knuckled down and, in the end, I got an interview and smashed it.”
Jeremy’s journey was transformational for his life post prison, and it was thanks to the personalised support he received from Complete Skills Solutions that helped to remind him not to give up on himself. He was given the platform and tools to succeed, and by committing to the course and engaging, he not only achieved his qualifications but also a job.
We’re really happy to see Jeremy enjoying life, his work and his relationship with his partner and daughters. We wish him all the best and a future full of continued learning and success!
