The right support - leads to the right job!
In 2021, Louisa had left Chelmsford College and joined the Kick Start programme. This government initiative run by Essex County Council in partnership with Chelmsford College, offered six-month work placements for 16–24 year-olds who were at risk of long-term unemployment. Essex County Council welcomed 64 individuals into roles across its departments, and Louisa took on an administrative role in the commissioning office. She loved the work and gained valuable skills and experience.
When the placement ended, Louisa felt disappointed to leave and unsure how to find a permanent job she would enjoy.
In December 2021, Chelmsford College connected Louisa with ECL’s Inclusive Employment team, who worked with her to find her next role. Louisa met with Caroline Giess and Lauren Keeble, who immediately made her feel supported and understood. They carried out a Vocational Profile to learn about her skills, experience, and ambitions. At that time, Louisa wanted another admin role.
The team helped Louisa secure an admin position at a local stable. She worked there for a year, gaining further experience and skills, but realised she would prefer to work in a busier retail-type environment where she could interact with the public and develop her customer-facing skills.
Always on the look-out for inclusive employers, Caroline had recently connected with the HR and Equality team at retailer Oliver Bonas. In September 2023, they offered Louisa four weeks of paid experience and were so impressed that they gave her a temporary contract over the festive season. Working on the shop floor during the busy holiday period was demanding, and Louisa thrived on the fast-paced, customer-facing environment. However, the contract ended on New Year’s Eve, and Louisa and the Inclusive Employment team were determined to find a new, permanent role that offered similar opportunities.
I would have found it so much harder to achieve that without the support of the Inclusive Employment team.
Louisa, Team member, Odeon Cinemas.
Louisa was proactive in her job search. She applied for a role at the Odeon cinema almost entirely on her own, completing the application and telephone screening without help.
Caroline went along to the interview, helping calm Louisa’s nerves and provide reassurance just by being there. Louisa did extremely well and, in April 2024, started a new job at Odeon on an eight-hour contract.
Caroline initially supported Louisa with job coaching, but within two months Louisa was flying! She learned every aspect of the job - greeting guests, scanning tickets, serving food and drink and handling opening and closing tasks. Her diligence and reliability stood out, and her colleagues’ joke that no one gets past Louisa without a scanned ticket.
Louisa now works various shifts, but she is so reliable and thorough that she averages 25–30 hours a week, well over her initial contracted hours. She loves the variety of work, the chance to interact with customers, and above all, the fact that it’s a permanent role.
Louisa gets on well with her colleagues and commented, “On the whole they are very friendly. It’s good to be able to chat and laugh while we work.” Odeon staff get free access to view films, so she enjoys watching the latest releases with her colleagues and has even gone out for an occasional drink with some of them. Employment has transformed Louisa’s life, giving her a richer social life and greater financial independence. “It’s such a nice feeling,” she says. “That I can contribute my parent’s household bills, and I am saving for a holiday with my family next year.”
While working at Oliver Bonas, Louisa started driving lessons. She passed her test in September 2024 and now leases an electric car through the Motability Scheme. Being able to drive has given her an even greater sense of freedom and independence. “I love the fact I can now go anywhere,” she explains. “Even just short trips to the supermarket or to Harlow to go shopping with my mum makes me feel so independent and proud.”
Louisa credits much of her new confidence and independence to having secure, permanent employment. “I would have found it so much harder to achieve that without the support of the Inclusive Employment team.” she comments. “Knowing Caroline was there for me gave me the confidence to look for a job. She smoothed the way for me and helped me overcome any barriers.”
Louisa has now been at the Odeon for 18 months. She is loving her job and all that it brings and says she has no immediate plans to move on. However, she couldn’t help but add, with a little ambitious glint in her eye, “I would like to progress. I could train as a Barista and if I study, who knows, maybe even one day I could become a supervisor.”
It’s such a nice feeling, I can contribute my parent’s household bills, and I am saving for a holiday with my family next year.
Louisa, Employee, Odeon Cinemas.