Jobseeker success stories When Mary Smith came


East Midlands


to CDG Kettering in March 2010 she thought her age would stop her from finding work. Now she uses her experience to care for children in her new job.


“Jobcentre Plus sent me to CDG originally but I had already been out of work for more than three years.  a job because of my age, and I wasn’t used to going for interviews so I was nervous about that too.


“I soon relaxed when I got to the CDG centre because their staff were friendly and helpful and I liked the induction. I  advisor) and liked her straight away.


“I visited the centre every two weeks and Jocelyn and me went through newspapers to search for jobs, sending letters to the suitable companies, along with my CV, which I’d improved since I started going to CDG. They also gave me access to a computer and offered me training on it. They really seemed to know what they were doing.


“The job came about eight months after I’d started with 


London


Like many graduates, 23 year-old Puja Dhamecha was feeling disheartened after failing to find a permanent job despite leaving university with an accounting degree. Now she is happy and settled after six months in full time employment.


“When I arrived at CDG’s Hounslow centre in October 2010 I’d only worked for six weeks during the previous year, as an administrative temp.


“I graduated with a degree in accounting with business so had the educational background but no work experience and was frustrated because all I had to show for it was a pile of debt. By the time I came to CDG I was competing  situation hard to accept.


“I’d been signing on for a while so was sent to CDG, and  me but I attended to see what it was all about.


 me and went home. However, the staff at the Hounslow  helpful from the start. They asked me to give it a chance for a couple of days, which I did.


“That was on the Monday, and by Friday of that week I had an interview arranged for an accounts assistant role at West London Business College in West Ealing. I was


Puja is enjoying her work at West London Business College


successful, and the college offered me a trial starting the following Monday. Two weeks later I was offered a permanent position, and I was really pleased because it was exactly the kind of job I was looking for. I pay invoices and do the daily banking, the payroll and plenty of other accounting duties.


“CDG’s staff had worked so hard in making the phone calls, and they didn’t give up trying to help me. They made me feel positive and I knew I could be open with them, which was what I needed.


“I’m enjoying the role at the moment and attend a course that is taught at the college. I’m taking my Association of  grateful for the opportunity.”


CDG Annual Review 2010/11 7


of the companies I’d written to had replied with an offer of ten hours’ work a week. I was about to accept it but almost straight away received a response to another enquiry, at a day nursery.


“I’d been apprehensive about applying for that role because the nursery had asked for experienced applicants, but I thought it would be worth a try. They rang me to ask if I could make an interview the next day, and I had to travel back to the CDG centre to download an application form because I couldn’t do it at home.


 the next day I had my interview. I liked the friendliness of the people who interviewed me but I didn’t think I’d be successful, due to my age.


“I’ve been here for six months now and am really enjoying it. I look after the children at the nursery and my days are varied. I could be helping them with whatever they’re doing, from painting to playing and even role plays. It’s demanding and I’m often tired at the end of the day, but it’s very rewarding too. I’d like to stay here and would love the chance to go on a couple of courses to help my career.


“I’ve only got good things to say about CDG, especially in the way it helps people in my age group. Jocelyn gave me  without the encouragement that I received from her.”


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