The Restart Scheme Helps Andrew Back into Work

• 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 up to 12 months of enhanced employment support to people like Andrew.
• Find out how we helped Andrew to return to work after a serious injury.

A Greater Manchester man who was compelled to leave a long-term role due to an injury has found a new job after receiving support from the Restart Scheme.

Andrew had been out of work for some time when he was referred to the Restart Scheme. In a previous life, he had worked his way up the ladder in the production sector, making it to frontline manager. However, an accident meant that he had to step back to properly recover.

Once Andrew felt ready to return to work, he sought advice at his local Jobcentre Plus. He soon asked his Work Coach whether he could be referred to an employment support programme to improve his chances of finding a new role.

The first task at hand was to write a new CV. Andrew’s Restart Advisor helped him to start from scratch. The final draft made Andrew realise just how much he had done over his career, boosting his confidence and convincing him that he would find a new position in no time.

Within two weeks, Andrew had secured an interview for a production role that perfectly matched his skillset and level of experience. To nobody’s surprise, he got the job and was given an immediate start date – just 18 days after he walked through the doors of the Restart Scheme office.

Although Andrew’s new workplace was relatively close to his house, there was no direct public transport route, meaning that he had to ride two buses to get there. This was not a deal breaker for Andrew because he was so eager to return to employment. Even so, given the long commute time, his Restart Advisor suggested that he should consider cycling to work.

Andrew agreed but was worried that he might struggle due to a slight issue with the grip in one of his hands. As a result, his Advisor recommended an electric bike, an idea which Andrew was enthusiastic about.

The e-bike was soon delivered to the office, along with the relevant equipment and uniform, and Andrew’s Restart Advisor and Jobcentre Plus Work Coach were on hand to answer any questions that he might have. By this point, Andrew said he was overwhelmed with the support that he had received, praising the staff for their professionalism and kindness.

More recently, Andrew told his advisor that he was enjoying his new role and had settled in well with the rest of the team. He added that he was even setting his sites on moving into management in the coming months and years.

When it comes to the help he received from the Restart Scheme, Andrew is unequivocal: He believes a great deal of his success was down to the efforts of his advisors, and counsels anyone who needs help getting back into work to give it a try.  

Find Out More

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

Find out more about the Restart Scheme.  

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.