Successful Mums changed my life

When Laura joined our Back to Work course, she was desperate to rebuild her confidence after seven years away from work.

Little did she know she would be back at Successful Mums just one year later – this time, as an employer.

“I’d been to university and had a successful career in FE management. But after seven years at home with my children, everything I’d achieved back then felt like a different lifetime. I needed to get my confidence back and find out what was out there for me.

The Back to Work course helped me recognise my transferable skills and the skills I’d gained as a parent, which got me into a much more positive mindset. Meeting other mums in the same position as me also made a big difference.

One of our guest speakers was from Jancett Playsafe, a local childcare company. She gave us an employer’s perspective and talked about the positions they had available at the time. I have a childcare qualification, so I put in an application and got an interview – my first for 12 years.

It was nerve-wracking but I felt ready for it, having been on the course. I’d already met someone from the company, so it was less intimidating than going into it completely cold. I couldn’t believe it when I was offered a job as a playworker!

That was two years ago and I’m now a manager at the company. Last year, I asked Jane if I could go back and speak to the mums at one of her sessions because I knew what it was like to sit where they were sitting. I just wanted to go back and show what can happen.

I’m passionate about talking to those women and I’ve now been back three times, even though I don’t like public speaking! I’m always impressed by how enthusiastic and dedicated they are. Last year, Jancett took on two more Successful Mums, one of whom is now training to be a manager too, which is great.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Successful Mums changed my life. My children, who are eight and 10 now, also understand that we have a better life because I work and it’s really important to me to be a good role model for them.”

If you’ve been on a career break and want to get work-ready, you can find out more about our Back to Work course HERE and book your free* place today.

*subject to eligibility