“Futures reminded me to seize the day and not settle” 

We recently caught up with Joanna Wright, who Futures supported into permeant employment with Marks & Spencer, Newark.  

Earlier this year, Futures hosted a recruitment opportunity in partnership with Marks & Spencer’s new Foodhall in Newark-on-Trent.  

Seven local job seekers were provided the opportunity to complete a fully-funded Customer Service course to prepare specifically for a role in retail at M&S, of which six secured permanent employment.  

This unique opportunity included a session with Store Manager, Dawn who gave the applicants vital insight into the reality of working in a premium Foodhall before attending a guaranteed job interview.  

Joanna commented; “It was good going into the job knowing what was expected from me. Dawn the store manager came to see us during the course to give us an insight to what the job entailed and after hearing from Dawn, I knew this job was for me.” 

Joanna was previously unemployed and felt she had a CV that employers just didn’t take seriously, despite her commitment to starting a career.   

What made you take the plunge and embark on a training course?

“When I was given the opportunity by Futures to earn an industry qualification for my CV and also be guaranteed a job interview to showcase my new skills, I grabbed it with both hands as I knew I wouldn’t get another opportunity like this again!”  

What made the course so valuable to you?

“The course was everything I needed it to be; informative, perfect pace and applicable to roles I was genuinely interested in. My teacher Caroline Killen was fabulous support and helped me to create my new CV.” 

“I was successful at interview and I'm confident that this is because of the time I invested in the course and the unique opportunity we had to meet the employer ahead of interview. I really love my job but it’s also got me out the house and meeting new people!” 

What do you think someone in your position might need to hear?

“My advice to anyone feeling stuck in unemployment is ‘Carpe Diem’ cease the day! Trying a new route might be all you need and you never know when an opportunity like this will come knocking again!” 

If you’re interested in exploring a new route into employment, a Futures employability programme might be the perfect solution for you. All upcoming employer partnerships are visible here!