P E T-X i C A S E S T U DY Gayatri Panchal, aged 34, was looking for employment when the Covid-19 lockdown was implemented and was referred to PET-Xi by Coventry Job Centre after expressing an interest in developing her employability skills. Health issues also meant that Gayatri was required to have a back operation which required several months of recovery, so she was able to take full advantage of PET-Xi’s courses which were moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Support provided by PET-Xi Gayatri first attended PET-Xi’s Level 2 IT User Skills before receiving support from Employment Coach Charmaine Jones, who signed her up to the Step-Up programme and conducted a detailed Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) assessment. Charmaine provided CV advice, cover letter support, conducted vacancy searches and arranged for Gayatri to loan a laptop to enable her to c omplete the Sage 50 Professional Level 1 course, which gives participants an insight into accounting as well as the Sage 50 software used across the industry. Charmaine said: “We knew that due to Gayatri’s health issues she would be unable to begin looking for employment for some time, so we worked with her to structure a strong CV and expand her k nowledge on completing job applications and writing cover letters as well as develop her employability skills. “We were able to provide Gayatri with a laptop so she could complete the Sage Level 1 course, and it was fantastic to see her develop an interest in accounting. “Gayatri was extremely motivated and a very willing participant – all of the staff delivering the courses couldn’t praise her enough for her dedication and she’s a pleasure to work with.”
Charmaine Jones
Outcomes Gayatri is continuing to work with Charmaine, and after recovering from her back operation is now looking for work experience and job roles in the accountancy sector.
“PET-Xi has given me the opportunity to develop my skills not only during lockdown, but also while recovering from my back operation. “Before working with PET-Xi I’d never considered a career in accounting, but I really enjoyed the Sage course and now hope to gain some work experience in the sector or find a position that will allow me to complete further training. “My confidence has really grown since w orking with PET-Xi, and the whole team has been so supportive – I couldn’t recommend them enough. Charmaine has helped and motivated me throughout, and Sanjay and his team who delivered the Sage course were always there if I needed any extra support or had any questions.” Gayatri Panchal Together we work as one Gayatri was supported through the Step-Up Programme, a West M idlands Combined Authority (WMCA) funded project run by award-winning national training provider PET-Xi aimed at helping Coventry residents who are facing barriers move back into employment.
If you would like to do the same course as Gayatri we would love to hear from you! To sign up call Ruth Edwards on: 07387 412 952 or email: redwards@pet-xi.co.uk