TNG in Crompton Street is helping to deliver people across Bury into employment

TNG in Crompton Street, Bury, is tackling unemployment across the region, having delivered 94 people from benefits into employment in the last 3 months.

TNG is one of the UK’s leading welfare to work training providers. One person who has benefitted from TNG’s help is Louisa Deskos, 52, from Bury.

Since 2004, Louisa had been a housewife and mother, taking care of her 2 children. Despite working one day a week in a local bakery, Louisa felt that she was too old to learn new skills, or develop those she already had. This had left her with a lack of confidence, and a belief that she had nothing to offer.

Louisa enrolled on the TNG programme where she was assessed and assigned to a personal job adviser, June Murphy. Louisa was a qualified childminder, and admitted that she would like to return to childcare, but felt that a five year absence from childcare would count against her.

June found a placement for Louisa at a local nursery, where she discovered she still had the skills needed for a career in childcare. Louisa’s confidence improved and the experience allowed her to update her CV.

When a vacancy arose at a day care centre, Louisa jumped at the chance to apply. Louisa was nervous about the interview, but received both group and one-to-one preparation, and was successful.

Louisa is now working at Happy Fun Club, based in Bury Community Centre, which enables her to give advice to parents on benefits to get the help and support they need to move into employment.

Louisa said, “As I had been out of work for a few years, I thought my skills would be out of date, but TNG showed me that I had a lot to offer. My work placement helped me to believe in myself, and the interview preparation work they did with me helped me so much. I love going to work, and feel much more confident than I did before.”

Len Johnson, TNG Regional Manager, said, “Louisa is a good example of the work that we do in Bury. Being away from the job market for so long had really dented Louisa’s confidence, and she struggled to see what she could offer anyone. TNG’s advisers helped her to realise she had lots of experience, and her work placement allowed her to get back into a work routine gradually. She is now putting all of her skills to use, and is enjoying her new job.”