A new career path for Syed

A young father from Blackburn is on course to a dream career with the civil service after being supported by JETS. Syed Hussain, aged 28, was working at an electrical retailer when the pandemic hit last year. He had been with the store for over four years but handed in his notice after being put on furlough.
 
With a baby daughter to provide for, Syed started looking for alternative employment. His work coach Anis at Blackburn Jobcentre Plus referred him to JETS in March this year and Syed soon secured a part-time job working with children as a passenger assistant on the school bus. During this time, his employment coach Nadira Banglawala continued to call him regularly to offer support. “Nadira was trying to find me a job in the field I wanted to go into,” explains Syed. “One of my chosen fields was the government sector, so she encouraged me to sign up to the Government’s website to search for civil service jobs.”
 
During his search, Syed found a role with the Department for Work and Pensions and sent off an application. He was offered an interview – and contacted Nadira to keep her informed. “Nadira was helpful, offering me tips and information,” says Syed. “She asked me if I needed any help with my interview preparations and I said yes, I definitely do! She arranged for me to have a one-to-one mock interview and that really boosted my confidence as I was a bit nervous. My partner also gave me a mock one-to-one at home, which was another boost.”
 
The interview with DWP was a success and Syed started his new job as an admin officer in late June, handling claims in the carers allowance department. “I’m settling in well, it’s totally different from sales, I love it!” enthuses Syed. “The office is not too far from where I live. The staff and management team are really good, I’m getting on with my colleagues and I’ve made a few good friends already. I do want to make a career out of the government sector and try to make my way up the ranks and this is a great starting point.
 
“Would I recommend JETS? Yes, definitely. My partner is trying to find a job as well but she’s struggling a bit, I would like her to get on the programme too if possible. She wants something where she can work from home, as our daughter has just turned one.”
 
Syed was referred to Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS), a separate strand of the Work and Health Programme (WHP), delivered in Blackburn by Ingeus. It is commissioned and financed by the Department for Work and Pensions and deemed to be a European Social Fund match funded programme. Ingeus supports the delivery of JETS in the North West, Greater London, Greater Manchester, the North East, and Central areas.