Question 1

Jelana - building on kitchen experience and taking the next step into employment

Accepted Answer

Jelana first met Skills and Workforce Coordinator Dan in January 2026. With experience working in kitchens as a Kitchen Assistant and Cook, she was keen to explore opportunities within health and social care and enrolled onto a Care Bootcamp in February 2026. Over several months, Dan worked closely with Jelana, helping her explore career options, build her confidence and identify suitable vacancies. Through this tailored support, Jelana successfully secured a Kitchen Assistant role within a local school and is now preparing to start her new position. Jelana's journey highlights how personalised careers support can help people build on their existing skills while exploring new opportunities.

Question 2

Uche - from newly qualified nurse to NHS job success

Accepted Answer

Ucheniia first contacted Skills Launchpad Plymouth after discovering Caring Plymouth through the website. She attended a Caring Plymouth drop-in session at Skills Launchpad Plymouth, where she met with Dan and completed a skills assessment. Having qualified as a nurse in September 2025, Ucheniia was finding it difficult to secure employment due to a lack of experience. Dan worked with her to explore suitable opportunities, provided advice on NHS recruitment processes and application techniques, and approached local employers directly to advocate on her behalf. Following this support, Ucheniia successfully secured a position within the Ophthalmology Department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and is currently completing her pre-employment checks.

Question 3

Tracy - discovering a rewarding new career in learning disability support

Accepted Answer

Tracy first met Dan at Devonport Jobcentre. Having previously worked in childcare, she knew she wanted a change of direction but was unsure where her skills could transfer. Over several visits to the Caring Plymouth drop-in at Skills Launchpad Plymouth, Dan supported Tracy to update her CV, develop a tailored cover letter and connect with local employers. Together they explored opportunities across the care sector and identified roles that matched her experience and interests. During her third visit, Tracy and Dan submitted an application for a role within a learning disability residential service. The following day, Tracy attended an interview and was offered the position. Tracy later thanked Dan, explaining that she had never previously considered working with people with learning disabilities. Follow-up support confirmed she had started the role and was thoroughly enjoying her new career.

Question 4

Robbie - turning an interest in pharmacy into a healthcare job offer

Accepted Answer

Robbie initially registered with Skills Launchpad Plymouth through the website and was contacted by Dan after being identified as eligible for support. Having completed a degree in Outdoor Education, Robbie recognised that he wanted to pursue a different career path and expressed an interest in pharmacy. During a one-to-one appointment, Dan helped him explore progression routes into the sector, including volunteering opportunities and entry-level healthcare roles. When a Pharmacy Supply Assistant vacancy became available at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Dan supported Robbie with his application and interview preparation. Robbie was subsequently invited to interview, successfully secured the role and is currently completing pre-employment checks before starting work.

Question 5

Aaron - exploring the sector and finding the right care role

Accepted Answer

Aaron first connected with Dan in November 2025 during a Caring Plymouth drop-in session. At the time, he was volunteering as a Rehab Legend at University Hospitals Plymouth and was keen to find paid employment, although he was unsure which role would suit him best. Dan worked with Aaron to develop his CV, explore a range of opportunities and build his understanding of the care sector. Although an initial interview with Beyond Limits did not lead to employment due to transport limitations, Aaron remained committed to finding the right opportunity. Dan supported Aaron to attend both the Caring Plymouth Training Fair and Careers Showcase, introducing him directly to employers and helping him build valuable connections. Following these events, Aaron secured interviews with two employers and successfully accepted a position in April 2026. He is now progressing through pre-employment checks ahead of starting work.

Question 6

Ashley - regaining confidence and returning to work in care and support

Accepted Answer

Ashley first met Dan in October 2025. Having previously worked as a Support Worker, he had taken time away from employment due to his mental health and was now ready to return to work. Ashley had a clear understanding of the type of support role he wanted and was committed to finding a position that suited both his skills and personal circumstances. Dan provided ongoing support through regular appointments, phone calls and job-search sessions, helping Ashley refine his CV, identify suitable vacancies and submit targeted applications. Following several months of dedicated support, Dan encouraged Ashley to approach a local support agency. Ashley successfully secured an interview and was offered a 30-hour-per-week position supporting an individual in their own home. The role enabled Ashley to return to work in a setting that matched both his experience and career aspirations.

Question 7

Simon - finding a fresh start after redundancy

Accepted Answer

Simon contacted Caring Plymouth after being made redundant and needing support to identify his next opportunity. Having previously worked with Dan in another organisation, he felt confident reaching out for guidance. Shortly after making a Universal Credit claim, Simon attended the Caring Plymouth Jobs Fair in February 2026, where Dan introduced him to a number of employers actively recruiting within the sector. Simon secured interviews with two organisations during the event and, after considering both opportunities, accepted an offer from one of the employers. He is currently progressing through the pre-employment checks required before beginning his new role.His story demonstrates the value of early intervention, employer engagement and the direct connections created through Caring Plymouth events.

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Caring Plymouth case studies

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