MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK)

Darren Gee

Darren was referred to MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) by a Special Incapacity Benefit Adviser at his local Jobcentre as he was in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, but felt ready to look for work again.

When Darren came to MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) we discussed his employment aims and ascertained that although catering was Darren's preferred profession, he had gathered information about becoming a self employed Taxi Driver and wanted to explore this option as well. We advised Darren that the Advisors Discretionary Fund could contribute towards his fees for the Taxi Licence as this was a concern for him.

Darren was keen to try out work to see if he could cope and so his Personal Adviser suggested to Darren that while he was waiting for his Taxi Licence he could partake in Permitted Work. Darren found himself a part time job as a Bar Person, in a local pub. The management team were really happy with his work and noticed his natural flare for the profession. Darren was offered the opportunity to become a Trainee Assistant Manager which he happily accepted and has decided upon this as his next step. He is thoroughly enjoying his new career. 

Mark Saunders

Mark contacted MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) after seeing our advertisement in the local paper. Mark last worked as a Lorry Driver, but due to his health condition, was unable to continue in this role. Mark was medically retired and hadn't worked for 2 years. Mark missed his work and mixing with people and when he first joined us he had begun to lose his self-esteem and confidence.

Mark and his Personal Advisor discussed the various barriers of returning to work and decided which working hours would best suit him. Due to his health condition Mark decided that Permitted Work would be the right choice for him. The next step was to review and update Marks' CV and to look into what type of work he would like to do; Mark wanted a job with limited stress and limited physical activity.

Mark saw an advertisement in the window of Next for a part time Stockroom Assistant. With the help of his Personal Advisor Mark drafted a covering letter to accompany his CV. "Next" offered him an interview so before the interview Mark and his Personal Advisor went through some interviewing techniques. The interview went very well and Mark is now happily working 15 hours per week. 

Neil Godwin

Neil was referred to MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) by his Specialist Incapacity Benefit Advisor at his local Job Centre. Neil had to give up a physically demanding job due to his health and had been out of work for 19 months. He was unsure of the sort of work he would be able to do but was interested in sales, cars and computing.

Neil's WTCS Personal Advisor investigated some local computer programming courses but after careful consideration Neil decided that he would like to find full time paid employment and consider these courses sometime in the future. Together with his Personal Advisor Neil compiled an up-to-date CV to apply for two vacancies that he was interested in. Neil attended both interviews and was offered both positions; he decided that the one company offered better training and prospects for a long-term career than the other.

Neil's facilitator completed a Better Off In Work Calculation for him so that he was aware of how his benefits would be affected by starting work. He was also able to take advantage of the Advisor Discretionary Fund to purchase some new clothing for work. Neil completed a one-week training course then started work for Space Kitchens. Neil is thoroughly enjoying his new position and tells us he is happy that he's earning money and supporting his family. 

Brian Turfrey

Brian was referred to MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) by his Disability Employment Advisor as he had been unable to work for over 5 years following a stroke. Due to his health he was unable to return to his previous career, as a Credit Controller. Brian felt his biggest barrier was his ability to communicate so we helped him return to College to boost his Basic Skills.

Brian knew what he was interested in and was looking for a filing or book-keeping role, on a part time basis. After a couple of unsuccessful interviews we discussed how a work placement scheme could be a positive way forward to test his ability for the work and his stamina and Brian agreed. So Brian was referred to another Jobcentre scheme 'Work Preparation'.

Brian's Work Preparation Personal Advisor worked with Brian to find him a work placement and successfully arranged an interview with Nationwide, for a general administrative role. The interview was a success and Brian is looking forward to starting his work placement for six weeks.

Bob Leadbeater

Bob contacted MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) after seeing our advertisement in the Evening Advertiser. Bob had been working as a bus driver for 9 years but had to give it up due to a health condition affecting his hands. Bob was a very positive and enthusiastic client who was determined to find alternative employment.

MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) assisted Bob to produce an up-to-date CV and advised him on interview techniques. We also introduced Bob to the Job Centre Plus website to assist him with job searches. Bob regularly attended our weekly Job Club and he contacted many local companies regarding vacancies.

He was offered a part-time job for Dangerfield's. Bob's Personal Advisor completed a Better Off In Work Calculation so that he was aware of how his benefits may be affected by starting work and how he would be better off in work. Bob decided that he would take the job and now drives children and their support workers to school and has been with the company for over 5 months.

Atif Hussain

Atif was referred to MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) by the Disability Employment Advisor at his local Job Centre. Atif was in receipt of Income Support with a disability premium due to having a back injury and asthma but he felt ready to return to work on a part time basis.

During his initial interview with his MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) Personal Advisor Atif showed a strong interest in gaming and films. With the help of his Personal Advisor Atif produced a CV and wrote several speculative letters to local retail outlets that specialised in games and films as well as to the two cinemas in his area; they also worked together to complete application forms. After several weeks of actively looking for work Atif was invited to an interview at his local cinema, he was slightly nervous but with the help of the WTCS team he was given a mock interview which boosted his confidence.

Atif was successful at his interview, has now been working for over six months and has recently increased his hours of work.

Siani Driver

Siani had been off work suffering with stress and anxiety for 5 months. She contacted MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) because she felt ready to return to work. With ongoing support and encouragement from her Personal Advisor Siani's confidence grew; together they approached local nurseries who could potentially offer Siani a job. She has started work as a Nursery Assistant and is thoroughly enjoying her job.

Siani and her employer Pauline Lewington

Siani and her employer were presented with a MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) clock on our Dorchester teams' "Employer Presentation Day" as a well-done to Siani and a thank you to her employer for the support they have given her. 

Vicki Lee

Vicki is a 21 year old who has mild learning difficulties. She contacted MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) as she wanted help and advice with returning to work.

Vicki is a 21 year old who has mild learning difficulties. She contacted MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) as she wanted help and advice with returning to work.

With the help and support from her MAXIMUS Employment & Training (UK) Advisor Vicki has returned to work in a well established hotel in the local area as a part time waitress. Her duties include serving customers various meals and ensuring they are comfortable. Since returning to work her confidence has increased and she feels she now enjoys working with the public.

Since starting work Vicki has increased her hours to full time. She has now been working in the hotel for almost a year and is a popular member of staff.