Willow came to Inspire’s Youth Employment Service when she was looking for a different route to become a teacher.
The 19-year-old from Lowestoft has always dreamed of being a primary school teacher, but found herself struggling with the University environment due to her dyslexia and left after the first year.
Struggling with job applications, she was referred to YES, and introduced to coach Tony.
The pair had their first session at Colville House, before moving them to the local library to make Willow’s journey easier. They focused on making a new CV, applying for jobs and preparing her for interviews.
With her confidence growing, it wasn’t long before she was offered a Teaching Assistant role at a school for children with disabilities ranging from 5 to 19, which she was delighted to accept.
“I was not confident about applying for jobs or doing interviews, but Tony helped me through all the processes,” Willow said. “We did mock interviews, and he gave me support. It really helped my confidence.
“I was so worried about the questions they would ask, I was worried about what to wear and how to act, and if I was being too fidgety with my hands.
“But Tony took me through every stage, helped me go through all the answers to make sure they were thorough, helped me look up the right information.
“I had an interview where I didn’t get the job, but he reassured me about next time and we worked on how we could improve for the next one. It meant I didn’t panic or lose motivation after not getting the job.”
“Having Tony there to help me and support me, I wouldn’t have been able to apply for this job without Tony,” she added.
Find out more about the Youth Employment Service here.
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