A work experience programme run by Grimsby Jobcentre Plus is helping people rebuild confidence, gain real workplace skills and take positive steps back into employment.
For Elizabeth Taylor, the programme has been life‑changing.
After moving back to Grimsby from the Midlands with her children, Elizabeth had to leave her job behind.
“I’d always been in work and then suddenly I wasn’t,” said Elizabeth. “As a teacher my days were fast‑paced and demanding, and I went from that to being at home all the time. I started worrying that I wasn’t comfortable in the workplace anymore. I felt detached from it.”
After opening up to her work coach about how she was feeling, Elizabeth was offered a work experience placement at Grimsby Jobcentre Plus.
“I was so nervous on the first day, but everyone was so friendly. I started shadowing someone straight away and I just felt comfortable. I wasn’t fazed or worried. I honestly felt like I’d found myself again.”
Grimsby Jobcentre Plus supports benefit claimants back into work, including through real‑world work experience placements, designed to build confidence as well as practical skills. Placements are arranged with local businesses and organisations, including the Jobcentre themselves.
For Elizabeth, simply being back in a professional environment made a huge difference. She said: “The exposure to an office and a working environment was key for me. It helped me think properly about my skills again. I was encouraged, I felt empowered, and I started to believe in myself.”
After completing her placement, Elizabeth continued applying for jobs feeling more confident and clearer about her future. When a role became available at Grimsby Job Centre, her work coach encouraged her to apply – and she was successful.
“For anyone who’s in that in‑between stage, it’s been amazing. Getting back out into the world, seeing what people are doing – it made me feel valuable again,” she added.
Elizabeth’s story is one of many. Amy and Connor are currently taking part in the programme at Grimsby Job Centre, using the placement as a stepping stone towards a future career in the Civil Service. After sharing their goals with their work coaches, they were matched with the placement as it offered hands‑on administrative experience.
Connor described how the work is meaningful, both for participants and the organisation. “We shadow different people across the Jobcentre, from checking IDs when people first arrive, to working alongside work coaches. We’ve also helped design and create forms and documents that are now being used in the organisation.”
The Work Experience Works programme is led locally by Donna England, Skills Lead at Grimsby Job Centre and Work Experience Consultant for the area.
Speaking about the initiative, she said: “Work experience is a fantastic opportunity for employers to partner with the Jobcentre and make a real difference. It allows claimants to gain valuable skills, build confidence, and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from moving into employment.”
Businesses across North East Lincolnshire, including B&M, Swift and The Entertainer, have already taken part and seen the benefits. Placements are fully supported by Jobcentre Plus and tailored to suit both the employer and the individual.
“I am incredibly passionate about this programme, as I’ve seen first-hand the positive outcomes it delivers,” added Donna. “In many cases, it helps individuals take meaningful steps closer to work, and for some, it directly leads to sustainable employment.
“It’s a true partnership that benefits both employers and jobseekers, creating opportunities and changing lives.”
Local businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved and open their doors to someone taking their next step into work.
To find out more, contact Donna at [email protected] or visit Grimsby Jobcentre at Bridge House, 225 Victoria Street, Grimsby, DN31 1NH.
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