Reaching for a new career

04/11/2009

Steve O'Keeffe

The worry of being made redundant is being eased by a free programme designed to support people in getting back to work.

Central Sussex College's Reach programme is designed to give those who are unemployed or facing redundancy the confidence to undertake interviews, the chance to retrain and the skills to update their CVs, providing a positive focus during a difficult stage in their lives.

When Steve O'Keeffe, who lives in Horley, was made redundant from his position in the financial services sector in January 2009, he joined the Reach programme to brush up on his computer application skills, gain a qualification that would enhance his job prospects and get an insight into what employers in his industry expected of interview candidates.

Steve explains: "After a consultation with the Reach staff an individual learning plan was drawn up for me, and the tailored approach enabled me to concentrate my efforts on finding alternative employment. By practising interview techniques during mock interviews I gained greater confidence to tackle real interviews, and continue to apply for new positions. I also undertook an accredited unit of the CMI management qualification, which I went on to study after the Reach programme."

However, it is being in the company of those in a similar position to himself which gave Steve the enthusiasm to get the best from the programme. "A fundamental benefit from this type of programme is being in the company of motivated, like-minded people who have recently experienced the same issues and pressures of redundancy and unemployment. I would encourage anyone who has redundancy pending, or who has recently been made redundant, to attend the Reach induction. This would give them an opportunity to see how the course can assist them back into their chosen area of employment, or perhaps something completely new."

Steve also praised the staff and his fellow students at the College: "The staff...for their expert support, courtesy and kindness...and my colleagues for their diligence, positive outlook and camaraderie."

Fellow students studying for the same CMI management qualification as Steve also praised the scheme. Gerry Dalton-Sedgwick, who was Vice Principal of a City bank prior to being made redundant, said: "This has been an invaluable experience, which has allowed me to identify possible areas for improvement and development for any future career I should choose."

Steve has now completed the Reach programme and has since secured a permanent job as a Business Analyst within the information technology sector.