Before taking time out of work to care for her children and father, Isabelle Lee had worked in the music industry and for a number of UK power networks. When she decided to return to work she was low on confidence and wasn't sure what she’d be able to do.
"I knew that I needed to find a job with some flexibility because of my children."
After a few months of job hunting, she spotted an advert in her local Jobcentre Plus for a pilot work placement scheme run by Transport for London (TfL). The pilot, run in partnership with Gingerbread and Women into Construction, offered the participants training.
Isabelle finished with a Level One Health and Safety qualification, and a Construction Skills Certification Card, which enables her to work on construction sites.
TfL worked with some of its key suppliers, including Siemens, Arriva Rail London and Arup, to arrange work placements for participants. Isabelle was "overwhelmed" when she was chosen to undertake a two week administrative placement with Siemens.
She used her time with the company to build her skills in IT, and Health and Safety, and develop her interview techniques.
"We were delighted to be asked by TfL to provide work experience to the participants to the programme. The feedback from participants and their work placement managers was overwhelmingly positive. " – Dave Hooper, Siemens Programme Director
Isabelle was supported during her placement with travel and lunch costs, and Siemens adapted her working patterns to she could meet her children after school. After her placement was extended, Isabelle applied for a permanent job as a receptionist and administrator for Siemens.
"I was thrilled to get the job with Siemens and I really appreciate the help and support they've given me. It's great that See Potential is raising the awareness of the challenges that single parents can face when trying to get a job."
Siemens is supporting the government-led See Potential campaign. This encourages employers to recognise the benefits of recruiting people from all kinds of backgrounds. These include single parents, care leavers, ex-offenders and some military veterans.
Backed by more than 100 employers, the campaign showcases the talents and business benefits of hiring people from different groups.
This month it is highlighting single parents. Employers can sign up and support the campaign at seepotential.campaign.gov.uk.
