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Yvonne Haywood is a single parent who, after many years at home bringing up her children, felt it was time to return to work.

Yvonne knew she needed to upgrade her skills, and popped into her local learndirect centre to discuss her situation with one of the tutors. Yvonne went on to complete a number of courses in IT, literacy and numeracy. Yvonne’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed by the staff at the learndirect centre and they offered her a volunteer position.  During this time, they were so impressed with her performance, that they asked her to stay on full time as an advisor. Read Yvonne's story here.

“My youngest child had reached 10 and I decided I was ready to go back to work. Before having children, I had worked in retail, but I was keen to try a new challenge.  I realised however, that to do this, I would need to update my skills.  One major problem was I had never used a computer in the work place before.  I had very basic computer knowledge but nowhere near enough to get by at work.

“By chance, I walked past my local learndirect centre one day and as I had seen adverts on the television, I decided to go in.  I was assessed by a tutor and advised to take a basic IT course called ‘Switch On’, which would build my confidence in using a computer.  Then I completed courses in numeracy and literacy at levels 1 and 2, and then an advanced IT course called an ITQ, which taught me how to competently use the Microsoft packages.

“I chose to complete all my courses at the centre because, with the exception of English, I found the subjects quite challenging, and I wanted the support of my tutor nearby.

“During my ITQ course I was offered a volunteer position at the learndirect centre.  This gave me fantastic work experience, and I really enjoyed being there.  Then, a few months later, I was offered a position full time, which I was absolutely thrilled about.

“My experience over the last year has been phenomenal.  As a single parent, I wanted to show my children what could be achieved through sheer hard work and determination. I am so proud of how I have turned my life around.  Both my children and my friends have noticed a massive difference in my wellbeing since I began at learndirect, I am far more outgoing and confident than I was before.

“For my full time job at learndirect, I began a teaching qualification, which I have achieved and I have also undertaken a First Aid course and am now the registered First Aider for the centre.

“I still can’t believe how much has happened to me in the past year.  My job is an absolute joy.  It is so satisfying to be able to give something back to learndirect, by offering others the same knowledge and support that I received. learndirect has completely changed my life for the better.”