‘’It’s the best thing to have happened’’

The words of adult learner Margaret speak for themselves.

As North East Lincolnshire Council continues to support Adult Learning provisions across the borough, the success stories of Margaret Goodman (pictured left) and Evie Hoggins show what learning and training opportunities can do for you.

Margaret’s story

After a period of unemployment started to impact her savings in 2022, Maggie decided to take the plunge and visited a local careers event.

Previous skills from work in Care Homes were recognised by Care Plus Employability Services, and a pathway was developed for Maggie to gain hands-on experience supporting adults with learning and physical disabilities, with a placement at Foresight.

Since then, Maggie has been offered paid employment as a Support Worker at local housing association Lifeways and is loving being financially stable with a great work/life balance. This allows her to take holidays to Gibraltar several times a year to see her baby grandson.

Maggie credits her support officer, Tracey Chaplin from Care Plus Employability services, saying: “If it wasn’t for Tracy’s support, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I love my new job and am really happy, it’s the best thing to have happened”.

Follow in Margaret’s footsteps and visit one of the upcoming careers events at the Family Hubs:

Evie’s story

Evie is proof that adult learning provisions can help you find a long-term goal that’s right for you.  

Evie first contacted Care Plus Employability Services to undertake the First Aid at Work training course whilst on a gap year, in line with her interest in going to University to study paramedic science and pursuing a bank first responder role.

Through chats with Evie about her future, it became clear to support officers at Care Plus Group that she was a little unsure and would be open to exploring other career pathways. Evie decided to try a Support Worker role at Foresight, where she is currently employed and doing very well. She has also just secured a job as an Employability Job Coach herself!

About Care Plus Group

Care Plus Group is a social enterprise providing health and social care services across North East Lincolnshire, including Employability Services for ages 14 years to retirement for those wanting to learn, train or develop new and existing skills. Get in touch with Care Plus Group’s Employability Services on 01472 256730 or visit the website at https://careplusgroup.org/services/employability-services/.

Find out more about adult learning opportunities and start your journey today by visiting www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning/, or book a FREE appointment with the adult’s career team by contacting Wendy Trask on [email protected].

About the Family Hubs

The careers events are all taking place at North East Lincolnshire’s Family Hubs. The Hubs provide vital services to children and families, by joining up services to be seen as a ‘one-stop shop’ for support.  

All Family Hubs will offer:

• Child and family health services including for parents-to-be
• Advice and information for families on things such as childcare or wellbeing
• Access to someone to talk to if you are struggling or need some help as a parent/carer
• Extra support for parents/carers who need it including parenting programmes, 1-1 advice, support and connecting with other services
• Training and employment advice
• Fun early education activities to enjoy as a family

Cllr Margaret Cracknell, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said: “Our Family Hubs are now being developed as places that will provide all sorts of activities and services for all ages in a family whether it be, as is the case here, those wanting to work or improve their careers, or wanting advice and help with children. Everyone will receive a warm welcome.”

All Family Hubs are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

See what activities are available at your local Family Hub, at www.nelincs.gov.uk/family-hubs/.