Having finished college in May 2024, Josh was looking for an apprenticeship or full time employment in customer service. After Riverside Training was recommended to him in December 2024, Josh signed up for three courses to help him find employment. Since then, Josh has successfully interviewed for the customer service advisor role and is now an Acis Group employee. Here’s his story.
Away from your role, what are your hobbies and interests?
I finished college in 2024, I studied T Level business and administration (T Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels). My interests include spending time with my friends and family. My Grandad was a music Teacher in Gainsborough, so I have always taken an interest in music, he taught me how to play piano, I play every now and again.
How did you find out about the employability support at Riverside?
I was looking for apprenticeships but it was difficult because I live in a remote area so there weren’t opportunities in things I was interested in nearby. I signed up for work help meetings at the JobCentre Plus in Marshalls Yard in Gainsborough, and they gave me advice. I had previously met Jo (Engagement and Support Coach) from Riverside Training as JobCentre Plus had recommended Riverside Training. Jo enrolled me onto two courses, cv writing, and applications and interview. Jobcentre Plus also mentioned there was an opportunity for a job preparation week-long course as well, which I joined and learned all about customer service. This was a customer service pathway course where I learned different things specific to customer service. There were four of us on the course in total and at the end of this course they offered me an interview with Acis Group for the Customer Service Advisor Role.
What support did you receive from Riverside?
The support was great, when I did the job preparation course they delivered the information in an interactive way. I learn best by talking and doing so this suited me, they did ask us to fill out a questionnaire around our learning style and I really felt like they used this to deliver the course. Both Claire (Employment Coach) and Louise (Senior Employment Coach) were helpful and the way they delivered it helped me understand it. I give a lot of praise to both for how helpful and friendly they were. I felt I could talk to them and ask questions without being judged. Before my interview at Acis Group, Louise and Claire gave me a mock interview and gave me feedback as well which gave me plenty of think about and practice, they went above and beyond in helping me with this.
What happened next?
I was able to interview for the Customer Service Advisor role. I attended the interview and at first, they gave me a scenario and asked me how I would deal with it. They then asked me questions about myself and the role. I thought it would take quite a while to hear back and I was worried that I would be waiting and wondering if I had been successful over Christmas. On Friday 20 December I received a phone call to offer me the role. I accepted and received the offer letter very quickly. I started as customer service advisor on Monday 13 January.
How have you settled in at Acis?
I have settled in well. Going to a new place with people you have never met before can be daunting. I am getting used to the different software and for me one of the biggest things is the people you work with. I spoke with my Dad about this the other day, sometimes you can have a job, and the people aren’t the best. Having a team that’s really nice and helpful is great and I really appreciate it. It takes a lot of pressure off me with how welcomed I have been made to feel.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
The people. They’ve really made me feel welcome and helped me.
Congratulations Josh!