A 39-year-old County Durham woman who feared she may never work again after being unemployed for over three years, has finally won a job.
Single parent Beverley Renwick, from Pelaw in County Durham, had lost all her confidence after taking time-out to bring up her two children and she regretted not pursuing a career earlier in life.
Concerned for her future and desperately wanting a job she would enjoy, Beverley decided to go back to college to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. After achieving maths and English qualifications, Beverley started a course in hairdressing with Access Training (formerly Durham Training), based in Chester-le-Street.
Thanks to her training and newfound self-belief, Beverley has secured an apprenticeship in hairdressing with Chester-le-Street based salon, SAS Hair and Beauty. Beverley is working towards an NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship with support from Access Training. She has ambitions to eventually gain teaching qualifications and tutor others in hairstyling.
Beverley, who has a daughter, 19, and a four-year-old son, said: “When my son was one I decided that it was time I did something for me. I wanted to work and I wanted a job that I would get real pleasure from. I’ve always had an interest in hair and would do friends’ hairs for nights out so it’s something I set my sights on. But at my age I struggled to find a starting position in a hair salon and I also lacked confidence because I hadn’t worked for so long.
“I’m over the moon to have found this job. It’s hard work but I love every minute of it. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn and get qualifications at the same time and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to develop a career at last.”
Susan Harris, training manager at Access Training, said: “It’s stories like Beverley’s that really inspire others to get some training and support to achieve their goals. Going back into the workplace after being unemployed for a long time can be a daunting experience but the rewards are worth it.”
SAS Hair and Beauty’s owner, Pam Janes, said: “Beverley is the first mature apprentice we have taken on and I am so glad we took that chance; she is doing really well and has quickly become an asset to the salon. I champion apprenticeships and have employed many apprentices over the years – they are so important to our industry.”
Access Training, which has training centres at Bridge End in Chester-le-Street and the Team Valley in Gateshead, provides support for people who are unemployed to get back into work. Access offers IT and employabilty courses two days per week from Cornerstones in Chester-le-Street. For information please contact Valerie or Nicola on 0191 490 4646 or email info@accesstraining.org
Access Training, which recently acquired Durham Training, has 30 staff and works with 1,000 learners and over 200 local businesses each year.