For Roxanne Barber, the Government's Work Programme has been a "massive help". After leaving Cornwall College in Pool, the 22-year-old struggled to find a job.
But after being referred to the welfare-to-work programme, Roxanne, from Camborne, secured a job with housing association Coastline Housing in nearby Redruth. She has been with the organisation since August.
Roxanne said: "I've had part-time jobs since I was 16 but then decided to leave work to concentrate on my studies. I just didn't think it'd be as hard as it was to find a job after I finished college."
Working Links – one of two principal contractors providing training in Devon and Cornwall under the work programme – helped revamp Roxanne's CV to highlight skills gained in the retail industry that could be deployed in other sectors. Within a few weeks, she secured a full-time administration post, her new employer taking advantage of a £2,275 wage subsidy for employing an 18-24 year-old.
Roxanne said: "I never thought I would end up in an admin role because I honestly thought I wasn't capable, but the support I received gave me the confidence I needed to go for it – and I love it."
