Talent Coach Jamie Hine from Stockport Homes has been supporting Joshua, 18, since March 2022. Jamie met Joshua after a referral from Stockport Family. His confidence was extremely low and he was experiencing bad anxiety that made it difficult to search and apply for jobs, as well as attend interviews. Joshua left mainstream education early and had gone on to complete a level 1 functional Maths and English course with The Growth Company, however, his motivation was suffering.
Since joining Greater Manchester’s Hidden Talent, Joshua’s confidence has shot through the roof. Jamie referred Joshua to Beacon Counselling, which has helped massively to improve his confidence.
In May, Joshua was able to secure a placement at Stockport Homes Private Lettings through their placement scheme, with the support of Jamie and their Placement Coordinator Maria. During his time on the placement, he has done incredibly well and colleagues have noticed a massive improvement in his confidence. He has developed new skills that will support him going forward and help to grow his experience.
“Josh has been doing really well. He has been very punctual and always happy to have a go at any new tasks allocated to him. I can see his confidence has grown a lot during his placement with us so far” – Suzie Bonner, Stockport Homes Private Lettings Manager
When Joshua first started his placement, he was apprehensive about making phone calls to customers but has learnt to push himself and is now regularly ringing people to book them in for appointments.
“From the start of the programme, I had zero confidence and barely any motivation. I felt I didn’t have enough knowledge to secure a role and I was anxious about my next steps. The Hidden Talent programme has massively boasted my confidence, from where I was at the start of the support is incomparable to now. I’ve found the placement with Stockport Homes and counselling sessions from Beacon Counselling have helped me feel much better and my self-esteem has improved. I’m shocked at how far I’ve come and amazed at home much I’ve improved myself.” – Joshua
With Jamie’s support, Joshua has now applied for an IT apprenticeship with Stockport Homes. They have worked together to develop Joshua’s CV and search for training opportunities to help develop his skills further. Jamie has helped Joshua find a pathway forward, and now he hopes to find a role within the IT industry.
“I’m amazed at how well Joshua is doing since starting Hidden Talent. He has absolutely grasped the opportunities presented to him and I’ve noticed a remarkable change in Joshua’s self-esteem. His confidence has grown so much in such a short space of time which is testament to Joshua’s will and determination to make a success of the placement. His journey has been inspiring and I’m so happy for Joshua that he’s in a better place. I’m confident the skills he has gained will help him achieve his goals in the future.” – Jamie Hine, Talent Coach, Stockport Homes
Greater Manchester's Hidden Talent is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, and led by GMCVO.
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit here.
