Quick look busy! - Merton Council

workinglife
“ I
only came for a sewing course,”
said Martina Collett-Creedy.
Eight years later she is helping
Merton residents find their own
career path in her role as careers information
officer at Merton Adult Education.
Merton Adult Education’s free careers and
training advice service offers impartial one-toone
advice to all adults wishing to find out more
about their work, learning or training options.
“No two days are the same. I meet a wide range
of people on a one-to-one basis, visit classes and
also visit community groups.”
Each year, approximately 500 local residents
benefit from Martina’s information, advice and
guidance, including help with CVs, applying for
jobs, finding the best local course for them or
simply exploring their options.
“I really like helping people. Especially
when someone has been out of the workplace
for some time – they might have lost their
confidence and feel that they lack skills, but
in reality they have a number of transferable
skills. It’s wonderful to explore different ideas
with them whether it’s enrolling on a course
or volunteering. They come back more positive
and confident after attending one of our
courses and continue to look for more ways
to keep developing their skills.”
In the current financial climate, Merton is
working hard to put the needs of its residents
first and with some residents looking for a new
direction or advice on new skills to add to their
CV, Merton Adult Education can help. “We
have a career-matching computer programme
called ‘Adult Directions’ that looks at skills and
96%
of people who used the Careers
Advice Service rated the service
as excellent.
“I only came for a
sewing course!”
interests to suggest possible career options
and explains the qualifications and experience
needed to move into a new field.”
Martina explains that sometimes people
can be unrealistic. “I like to encourage people
that most of the time it can be better to get your
foot in the door of a company and work your
way up rather than to expect to start at the top.
Recognition will quickly be given if you have
extra strengths and skills.”
Find out more
www.merton.gov.uk/adulteducation
020 8543 9292
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2009 • WORKING LIFE
Thinking of a career change but not sure where to start? My Merton
meets Martina Collett-Creedy for some expert advice and guidance.
In 2008
Merton Adult Education
was the first in south
London to be recognised
by the Matrix quality
standard for providing
excellent information,
advice and guidance
across the board.
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