Overcoming financial and digital barriers - Alan's story

Meet Alan

When Alan joined our delivery of the Department for Work and Pensions' Work & Health Programme, which we call Better Working Futures, he was feeling pressured financially. He also struggled using computers, which was making searching for jobs online very difficult. Combined, this was having a negative effect on Alan's mentality.

He said:

I was desperate to get back into work, as I was so used to being busy. I felt bored and demotivated.

Our support

Alan joined Better Working Futures and was introduced to his dedicated Employment Adviser, Sarah. Our Employment Advisers take the time to get to know each participant, finding out about their interests, skills, ambitions, work experience and health to gain a solid understanding of the support necessary to help them into work.

Personal development is a key part of the service, and our Employment Advisers discuss the courses available and identify what each participant will benefit from the most. These courses can be taken in our offices, and some are available online.

Sarah provided one-to-one IT support to Alan, and also enrolled him onto our in-house IT support sessions. This helped Alan to more confidently look for jobs online and, with previous work experience in property maintenance, Alan was keen to secure a job he'd seen working for a housing association.

Moving forward

Together, Alan and Sarah completed an online application and practised interview questions and techniques. Shortly after his interview, Alan was offered the job!

Alan said:

I was fully supported with my transition into work, as Sarah covered my travel costs, until my first pay cheque came through. I am very grateful for Sarah and the Better Working Futures team, for their support in securing my role. It has given me motivation, hope and purpose in my life. I would recommend this programme to friends and family as I got a job within seven weeks!