P E T-X i C A S E S T U DY Lucy Arkell, aged 23 and from Tamworth, was looking for work in November last year after previously working for Sainsbury’s as a retail assistant. Although there were jobs available for Lucy to apply for, she wanted to increase her skillset further while she was out of work. She was recommended to train with PET-Xi by her work coach as a way of boosting her skills and improving her job prospects.
Support provided by PET-Xi Lucy signed up to two courses with PET-Xi – Team Leading Level 2 and Customer Service Level 2. She took both 5-day courses back-to-back from home using PET-Xi’s virtual learning environment and was taught about the best ways to resolve difficult situations with customers, how to motivate staff effectively, and how to deal with any problematic workers. Lucy was trained by PET-Xi staff who used a combination of one-to-one teaching, larger online classes, and virtual workbooks helping highlight situations that might arise in a real-life scenario. PET-Xi trainer Karen Hill, one of Lucy’s teachers on the courses, said: “Lucy progressed really well, worked consistently and engaged in all discussions, regularly sharing ideas and thoughts to help others, as well as listening to her classmates’ thoughts and opinions. “We also offered Lucy further courses with PET-Xi and opportunities to update her CV in order to support her in furthering her career. “She was a pleasure to teach, and I knew she had great prospects once she finished the courses.”
Outcomes Once Lucy had completed both the courses, she quickly found a role as a support worker in Tamworth.
Karen Hill
However, although Lucy is now back in work, she hopes to use the skills she learned with PET-Xi to return to food retail in a more senior role.
POSITIVE DIRECTIONS
“I knew I wanted to take a course in team leading, because I enjoyed working at S ainsbury’s and felt I could potentially return to retail if I improved my skills a bit more. “PET-Xi’s courses were just what I needed, and the trainers I had throughout my studies were fantastic. They were able to explain things in a simple, easy-to-understand way, and were always willing to answer any questions. “Their virtual learning environment was very helpful too as it meant I could learn from home – I have a daughter so being able to learn remotely meant I didn’t have to worry about childcare. “The courses built my confidence back up, and I’d recommend them to anyone who is out of work and needs some extra qualifications to help them.” Lucy Arkell Together we work as one Lucy’s course was part of the Positive Directions programme, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). The programme supports young people aged between 16 and 24 who are not in employment, education or training in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area.
If you would like to do the same course as Lucy we would love to hear from you! To sign up call Ruth Edwards on: 07387 412 952 or email: redwards@pet-xi.co.uk