Fiona
Category: Jobtrack
Fiona is a life serving prisoner coming close to her release date. Due to being out of work for such a long time, she was seeking any opportunity to develop skills that could help her find a job on her release. However, Fiona also needed support to build her confidence and equip her for life outside the prison walls.
Fiona's NIACRO Employment Officer arranged for a place on the Jobtrack Women’s training day, which meets once a week. Fiona has also been studying for her ECDL, as well as her driving theory test. More importantly, it has allowed her to meet with women in similar situations and they share conversations about various issues, as well as helping each other in their studies. This style of learning assists many Jobtrack service users to gain a formal qualification in a relaxed setting.
Through the Jobtrack programme, Fiona has also begun a work placement. Working three days a week within an administration department, her duties include meeting and greeting visitors, answering customer queries, sending emails, answering telephone calls through a computerised switch board and other general office jobs.
This experience has been a steep learning curve for Fiona, but her Employment Officer made sure there was a mentor in the office to help Fiona with all her queries and to assist her in developing valuable office skills. With the consistent support from NIACRO, Fiona's confidence is growing and her chances for employment look hopeful.