You’ll be matched with a dedicated Employment Coach who takes the time to understand your story, your strengths, and your goals. Together, you’ll build a plan that’s realistic, flexible and most importantly focused on what matters to you. Our support is shaped around your journey, not a set template.
How we support you
Looking for work can feel overwhelming, especially if you're facing personal challenges or looking for a new direction in your career.
Guidance from day one
We offer practical, personalised support to help you move forward with confidence, no matter where you're starting from.
Practical help that makes a difference
We support you with:
CV writing and job applications: Build a CV that reflects your true potential and access our AKG Aspire online portal.
Interview preparation: We can help you understand how to research companies, prepare for interviews, and confidently navigate the process of getting the job you want.
Skills development: Access short courses and training that help you build your skills and career prospects
Support with barriers: From travel, digital access to caring responsibilities, we’ll help you overcome what may have been difficult in the past, and work
Training to support you
We offer flexible, fully funded training in areas like:
Employability skills
Digital literacy
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Sector-specific training for roles in childcare, housing, administration, and more
These courses help you feel prepared not just to start interviewing for and securing a job, but to succeed in it.
Ongoing support when you’re in work
Getting into a job is just one step. We continue to offer in-work support, check-ins, and advice to help you settle in, grow, and stay on track with your goals. You’re never on your own.
Whatever your story, we’ll help you write the next chapter, with dignity.
Case study
Nick’s Journey – from redundancy to rebuilding confidence and employment
Introduction
Nick, in his early fifties, joined the Restart Scheme in Wellingborough after being made redundant in 2022. With over 20 years of experience as a machine operative in plastic moulding and production, he faced significant challenges when he joined the scheme, including severe mental health, drug use, and physical health issues.
Challenges
At the beginning of his journey, Nick felt nervous and out of his comfort zone. Reflecting on that time, he said: “I just didn’t know what was happening or what was going to happen.”
He was dealing with immense anxiety, a lack of confidence, and a reluctance to try new things. Nick was hesitant to leave his home, unwilling to consider roles outside his previous experience, and sceptical about whether the Restart Scheme would help, given his prior unsuccessful attempts with similar programmes. Nick also lacked basic employability skills, including CV writing and job application navigation.
Support Provided
Nick’s Employment Coach, Stephanie, worked with him to build trust and create a safe space for vulnerability. The comprehensive support he received came from several AKG companies, of which Jobs 22 (now AKG Employment) is one, who deliver the Restart Scheme across East Central England, along with their valued delivery partners, on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions:
Intuitive Thinking Skills
Nick attended the Skills Tu Life and Skills Tu Employment courses led by Ran. These courses focused on building resilience, self-determination, and employability skills, helping him take his first steps toward personal and professional growth.
Nick attended the Skills Tu Life and Skills Tu Employment courses led by Ran. These courses focused on building resilience, self-determination, and employability skills, helping him take his first steps toward personal and professional growth.
AKG Learning
Nick joined confidence-building workshops that reshaped his mindset and helped him see challenges as opportunities.
Nick joined confidence-building workshops that reshaped his mindset and helped him see challenges as opportunities.
AKG Health
After numerous discussions, Nick accepted a referral to Healthfind and began working with Daniella to address his mental health challenges, which proved transformative.
After numerous discussions, Nick accepted a referral to Healthfind and began working with Daniella to address his mental health challenges, which proved transformative.
Employability Training
Stephanie, along with Jo, an Employer Services Consultant, guided Nick through CV building, IT skills, job applications, and interview preparation. Nick also attended group workshops, a community café, and a jobs fair, helping him expand his opportunities.
Stephanie, along with Jo, an Employer Services Consultant, guided Nick through CV building, IT skills, job applications, and interview preparation. Nick also attended group workshops, a community café, and a jobs fair, helping him expand his opportunities.
Daylight Centre
Visits to this local support hub provided personal interventions and practical assistance for Nick’s daily life.
Visits to this local support hub provided personal interventions and practical assistance for Nick’s daily life.
Stephanie noted that while Nick was initially reluctant to change, his determination to improve and willingness to embrace new ideas grew over time. “Once Nick accepted mental health support, the difference in his character was incredible,” she shared.
Adding: “Daniella at AKG Health must take huge credit for Nick’s progress. Together they tackled some deep-rooted trauma that had been holding him back. This unlocked the opportunity for all the other support to get Nick to a place where he was ready for employment.”
Outcome
Through perseverance and the holistic support provided, Nick experienced a remarkable transformation. His anxiety reduced significantly, he gained confidence, and he took a more positive outlook on life. Nick explained: “Yes, absolutely, the support made a huge difference. My confidence has built massively, and my anxiety is so much better. Now, I look at things in a different way.”
The culmination of his journey was securing a role as an industrial cleaner, which gave him a routine, a purpose, and a renewed sense of self. He said, “I feel more confident, like things are on the up. I feel like I could do any role moving forward.”
Nick has also significantly reduced his drug use and is no longer reliant on medication, marking an incredible step forward in his overall wellbeing.
Reflection
Nick’s journey highlights how patience, commitment, and collaboration can help overcome even the most challenging needs. His advice to others starting on the Restart Scheme is simple: “Definitely go for it. It’ll help sort you out – and gets you on the right path.”
In his closing words, Nick shared this heartfelt message: “100% highly recommended. Have trust that they just want to help. I’m so glad I did! Thank you for listening to me and taking time to support me, even when I made it difficult for you.”
Stephanie reflected on his success, saying: “I am proud of how far Nick has come. His journey shows how our services, combined with determination, can truly transform lives.”
Nick is now looking forward to the future with confidence, embracing opportunities and challenges with a newfound optimism.
How can we help you?
Our team is always here to help. Get in touch with us or speak to your Employment Coach.
