Jobcentre Plus

Dartford local, Dawn Brown, has realised her dream of working in the care industry with the help of Jobcentre Plus and Local Employment Partnership.

Dawn, who has dyslexia, had been unemployed for eighteen months until she joined New Deal in December 2007. Now, after successfully completing a Work Trial arranged by Jobcentre Plus, Dawn is working as a carer for local Internal Care Agency Care 4.

Care 4’s owner, Christine McNamara, said: “We like to offer people a career in the care industry and Jobcentre Plus through Work Trials has helped us to do so.  We would be very happy to use Work Trials in the future.”

Dawn had been looking for work in the retail sector, shelf stacking or cleaning and had not considered any other jobs due to her lack of qualifications.

She told her New Deal Adviser, Matt Painter, that she would like to work in the care industry but because of her dyslexia had never thought that she would be able to, as employers may see this as a disadvantage.  

Matt worked with the Labour Market Recruitment Adviser at Dartford Jobcentre Plus and identified a new employer who had just signed up to the Government’s Local Employer Partnership and had jobs available in the care sector.  

Matt arranged an interview for Dawn, explaining that if she was successful during the Work Trial the employer could then claim the New Deal subsidy. 

Dawn was very happy that the employer was willing to give her a trial and the hours suited her situation. 

She successfully finished her work trial on 11 April 2008 and started full time work with Care 4 on a permanent basis the next day. Dawn has made a huge impression with the company and her smile and sense of humour have endeared her to the people she is now caring for.   

If you would like help to get a job contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or alternatively search for a job on this website.