A.J joined the VIP Project seeking support to access employment, with a specific focus on entering the construction industry. Alongside employment, he wanted support to return to education, particularly to redo his Functional Skills English, and to work towards gaining his CSCS card. Prior to engaging with Leicestershire Cares, A.J. experienced significant confidence issues and anxiety when engaging with professionals.
The initial appointment focused on building rapport, introducing A.J. to the support available, and identifying his goals. A.J expressed a strong interest in hands-on construction work such as bricklaying, painting, and decorating. He shared that academic learning had been challenging for him; however, he was motivated to return to education to improve his English skills, recognising its importance for employment and progression within the construction industry. Together, we discussed the support that could be offered, including CV development, interview preparation, job searching, guidance on construction courses, and support with re-enrolling onto Functional Skills English.
A CV session was arranged to strengthen A.J applications. During this session, it became clear that A.J had more construction-related experience than he initially recognised. These practical skills and previous experiences were added to his CV, enabling him to better articulate his strengths. A.J responded positively to this process and reported feeling more confident, stating that he now felt prepared to apply for jobs.
The next stage of support focused on interview preparation. Prior to completing a formal mock interview, time was spent practising common interview questions, discussing how to structure responses, and introducing the STAR method. This preparation allowed A.J. to practise speaking about himself in a supportive environment, helping to reduce anxiety when engaging with professionals.
Following this preparation, A.J. completed a mock interview based on roles within the construction industry. During the mock interview, he demonstrated improved communication and engagement, applying the techniques discussed in previous sessions. A.J reflected that this experience made him feel more prepared and confident for real interviews.
Further support included attending a job fair at Fosse Park, where employers were offering on-the-spot interviews. This provided an opportunity for A.J. to apply his learning in a real-world setting, and employers responded positively to his engagement, advising that he would be contacted for a follow-up interview.
Alongside employment support, A.J was supported with applications for a CSCS course, obtaining personal identification, and exploring college enrolment to redo his Functional Skills English qualification.
A.J ’s journey demonstrates the impact of tailored, person-centred support. Through consistent engagement, he has developed increased self-belief, strengthened his employability skills, and taken meaningful steps towards both employment and education within the construction sector.
Very grateful for Leicestershire Cares and how they have supported me
AJ 2025