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| E2E Experience - First Place |
I went to see Julie my PA at Connexions and she told me all about First Place. I was a bit weary about leaving my son at first, as he was only 8 months old. I wanted to visit the place to see what it was like before I decided to start. I discussed it with my mum, who was going to look after my son. My mum and I agreed it was in my best interest to start the course, so that I could gain experience of a working environment again. I wanted to get back into work but I was going to miss my son like crazy. I hadn't been away from him since the day he was born.
The first day I came to First Place was for a visit. I was greeted by Emma, a trainer, and then went upstairs and met Martin. I came back a week later to start the course and I was nervous about meeting people that I didn't know, but I soon got to know them and felt comfortable. I missed my son a lot and wanted to ring home to see if he was ok, I just wanted to go home and give him a big hug.
At first the work that I was doing was just typing i.e. induction booklet, Health & Safety etc. After a while I got to do some database and spreadsheet exercises which taught me a lot. I left school with no grades so coming here has given me the opportunity to learn and gain qualifications. Now I know how to use a computer properly. After I had been at First Place for a while, I got used to leaving my son with my parents and used to the idea of working again.
The staff have helped me with some job searching in the career I would like to progress to. I really want to be a prison officer and I applied for one in Chelmsford but unfortunately I didn't get the job.
I have learnt a lot on the course and I thank all the staff who have helped me through tough times. First Place has given me my identity back instead of just being a mum. It has helped me make friends who have become some of my best friends and who I will keep in touch with. I hope to keep in touch with the trainers and Martin and Monica as well.
By Sophie
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