Name: Maria Hook

Programme: e2e

I gained my GCSE’s at school, while I was at school I came to Fareport Training one day a week to do my NVQ Level 1 in IT. After I left school I went to college to do a Child Care qualification.

While at college I left home, so as well as college I was holding down four jobs. When I finished my course I went to work full time in retail which lasted for about a year. I then had a rethink about what I wanted to do for my future and decided to leave the child care route behind. I went to Connexions and they recommended Fareport and e2e.

I started e2e in February 05. I have gained my key skills Application of Number, Communication and ICT Level 1 in Business Administration, I also did some work tasters to gain some experience and to help with my NVQ.

On e2e I have updated my CV, learnt about interview techniques, gained lots of confidence and since I have been on the programme I have really grown up!

I have had a few personal problems but my Assessors have always supported me and been there when I needed them, they have helped me overcome issues and sort them out, I feel I can talk to them about anything.

I have just moved into my new flat which is great, the training allowance I get helps me pay the bills and buy some food. My next step is to find a work placement with the help from Fareport, so I can finish my NVQ and progress onto a level 2 Apprenticeship and gain full employment.

I would recommend anyone to come to Fareport and have the opportunity to make something out of their lives, its good fun and you work in a friendly, relaxed environment. I know so many people who are on ‘job seekers allowance’; they are fed up, but not doing anything to get of the situation. If they came to Fareport they could work towards some qualifications at their own pace, which could help them get a job with a decent wage.