Restart Scheme Boosts Steven’s Skills and Job Prospects

• The Growth Company (GC) delivers the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Ingeus.
• Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme provides enhanced employment support to people like Steven.
• Find out how we helped Steven to expand his skillset and make progress on his goal of returning to work. 

A man from Greater Manchester has improved his skills thanks to the Restart Scheme – and now he is on the path back to work.

Steven had enjoyed a long career in administration, including a stint as an office manager. Having fallen out of employment, he was eager to find a new role, preferably in the same sector. In late 2023, Steven was referred to the Restart Scheme by his Jobcentre Plus Work Coach.

Steven’s initial meeting with his Restart Advisor was a productive one. The pair discussed the importance of ensuring that his CV was up to date and professional, as well as considering the potential financial impact of any change in Steven’s circumstances. Steven’s advisor helped him to complete a ‘better off calculation’ so he could better understand the latter issue and directed him to iWorks, Ingeus’ online careers portal, to support his job search.

Steven was also quick to take advantage of the available skills programmes, enrolling on a one-week intuitive thinking course, successfully finishing it on time and receiving positive feedback from his tutor.

In the meantime, Steven’s advisor spoke to him in detail about his employment preferences, before adding him to the Restart Scheme’s in-house employment database to match him to suitable vacancies. He was also given advice on how to apply for them. According to his advisor, Steven “demonstrated a keen motivation to work towards his desired goal” during this period. 

Steven soon found a customer service role at a large company that interested him. He was subsequently invited to attend an open day, where he met with the employer, filled out an application, and undertook an interview.

Steven’s efforts were successful, and he was offered the role, which he duly and happily accepted.

Find Out More

Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, The Growth Company delivers the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Ingeus, the prime provider for the region.

Read more on our dedicated Restart Scheme page.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a mission to generate growth, create jobs, and improve lives.

We help people and businesses across the UK to develop, grow and succeed through a range of employment, skills and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Contact us today to find out more.