Michael’s Story:
Success with GV Job Club!
Michael had been out of work for a total of 6 years, 4 of which had been spent caring for a close
family member. He found that during this time things had changed dramatically in Human Resources
in which he had been working. He came to the Centre with limited IT skills and was apprehensive of
using computers. He soon found out that to gain a job in which he could use his past skills and
experience he would have to have at least a basic knowledge of computers. He started with our dropin sessions, learning some of the basics such as updating his CV, emailing and using the internet to
search and apply for jobs and quickly moved on to accredited IT courses with us. So, as well as job
searching almost daily, he was constantly updating his IT skills.
In addition to his job search, Michael was also a Volunteer Health Champion with Manor and Castle
Development Trust. This voluntary work included helping with event management, undertaking a
social audit of residents’ needs and wishes in a particular area of the Manor estate, as well as
undertaking health checks. He also took the lead role in setting up the Over 50’s Manor Men group
along with two other volunteers. This gave him excellent experience in project management.
Michael learned how to apply for jobs online and in no time he increased his confidence in using
computers. He applied for many jobs and, in particular, two that he had developed the skills for, and
was invited to interview for both. We supported Michael with a mock interview to help him overcome
his nerves. His first was unsuccessful. The second went well and he was also shortlisted for a third
job, but had to decline as he had already been offered work with Manor and Castle Development
Trust, as a Part time Receptionist/Administrator (his second interview). Along with his
Receptionist/Admin role (3 days a week), Michael began work as a part time Health Trainer (2 days a
week) at the beginning of 2012. Michael has now been at Manor and Castle Development Trust for 3
years. He is still a Health Trainer but is also supporting and motivating people who are experiencing
considerable barriers in their attempt to return to the workplace.
Three years down the line Michael is still enjoying his role immensely. In particular Michael wants to
emphasize the valuable experience he gained as a Volunteer Health Champion at Gleadless Valley
Community Forum.
Michael says: “When I first went to the GV Job Club I was nervous at the prospect of having to learn
new skills and thought it would be like going back to school. I soon found out that the staff there treat
everyone as individuals and nothing was too much trouble. I enjoyed the experience and would gladly
recommend them to other people and have done so already. Thank you all, and keep up the good
work.”
What can we say other then well done Michael, you overcame your fear of computers,
battled on and gained qualifications in IT along the way!
Along with Michael we have supported many other people in returning to work in the last three years
and congratulations should go to them all. If you need any help with creating a CV, searching for jobs,
completing application forms either online or in paper form, then please call in to the Valley Online
Centre, 187 Blackstock Road, we are always pleased to help. With 92% of current vacancies being
advertised online and 72%i of employers saying they are unlikely to offer an interview even to entry
level candidates without IT skills, isn’t it time you let us help you to help yourself get ahead in the job
market? The service we offer is completely FREE and available to everyone. Just pop in or if you
need more information then please call Cheryl on 0114 2394888 or email cheryl.alvey@gvcf.org.uk.
(see back page for opening times).
i
Source: Tinder Foundation report, UK Jobs and the Internet.
Learning Champions
Valley Community Learning project has dedicated Learning Champions to give you support and
information to get on the right course for you.
Sue Manser is our Planning & Development Champion and helps to plan and organise the Valley
Community Learning courses and events. There is always a wide range of short courses available.
Please contact Sue if you would like to enrol on one of these, or if you have any ideas for courses you
would like to see in the area.
Sue says: "Anyone can become a learner again! But you might need a bit of support and
encouragement to start you off, and that's where we come in. We can help you get started."
Gill Dyal is the Learning Champion for Gleadless Valley, Lowedges, Batemoor and Jordanthorpe
(LBJ). She is based at the Terminus Project on Lowedges Road on Wednesdays and in Valley
Online Centre on the Gaunt Shopping Centre Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Gill can
often be found out and about in the local area meeting and chatting to people. Like Amelia and Sue,
Gill is there to help you find the right course for you, either in your local community or citywide. So
why not give her a ring and find out what you could be doing. To contact Gill ring her on 0114 239
4888 (GV), 0114 237 8724 (LBJ) or email her at gill.dyal@gvcf.org.uk
Gill says "As a Learning Champion, I’m here to help find out and organise courses that local people
want to do in their area. My role is to offer information, advice and guidance to help learners find
suitable courses available in the local area.
I started off as a learner on beginners’ course several years ago, which I found interesting and it also
helped me to socialise with other people as I’d been isolated for a couple of years due to illness. I still
remember how I felt at that first session, going to a strange place and feeling out of my depth. What
on earth did I think I was doing trying to learn how to use a computer? It was the best thing I ever did
and it changed the direction of my life forever - I used to work with horses!"
Amelia Crowther is the Area Learning Champion for Gleadless, Gleadless Valley, Lowedges,
Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Greenhill and is based at the Valley Online Centre Monday to Thursday.
Amelia’s role is to raise the profile of adult community learning and promote the many benefits that
can be gained by filling work related or personal skills gaps. Our learners have told us that they
gained confidence and a sense of well-being and by doing something different it helped them to
switch off from the stresses of everyday life and benefitted their relationships with family and friends.
Amelia Says: “At GVCF we are committed to ensuring that we offer the best courses to suit your
needs. We know that you want them to be affordable and easy to access. We want to make sure that
we respond to your learning needs and constantly aim to improve what we can offer.
I will be looking at the training that is available in our area and asking for your opinions and ideas on
what you would like to see in our community. Our Learning Champions are waiting to hear from you
and will support you through the whole learning process. They are on hand to answer any questions
you have. All you have to do is pick up the phone... what have you got to lose?”
You can chat to Amelia by calling her on 0114 2394888 or by email amelia.crowther@gvcf.org.uk
Not sure if learning is for you? See if you can recognise yourself in the list below:
 You've just moved into the area and want to make new friends
 Maybe you're retired and have more time on your hands to learn new skills
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You’ve been at home for a while bringing up the kids but fancy a bit of time to yourself to
update your qualifications and make new friends
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You've been ill and stuck in the house not seeing anyone
You're not working and are bored stiff
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Or maybe you're doing a job you hate and want to re-train or just want to get your first job and
show what you can really do in life
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Perhaps you just woke up one day and wanted to change something about your life - put the
past behind you
Getting back into learning can be one answer especially when IT'S FUN, IT'S FREE and IT'S NEAR
YOU!
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But how can a Learning Champion help me?
Meeting with you to discuss your individual needs
Finding a course to suit you
Helping arrange and pay for childcare
Going with you to your first class
Coming to speak to your group about courses
Listening to find out what training and learning opportunities you would like in your area
Trying to make sure that courses take place at a time and venue that fits in with your life
Signposting you to other people or organisations which can help you access learning and
training both city-wide and locally
Please have a read of Amanda's story.
Valley Online Centre
187 Blackstock Road
Sheffield
S14 1FX
Tel 0114 239 4888
Text 07595 999235