Developing my skills

It has been over three months since I started my FJF placement at Novas and I now feel comfortable within my position and more confident about my ability to carry out assigned tasks. One advantage to being an FJF recruit at Novas is that I have the opportunity to attend a number of training courses, each aimed at developing my skills within a particular area of work. The courses are varied, for example, some are designed to improve confidence and communication skills, skills that are essential for progression in any job, whilst other courses like find your focus, encourage you to think a little about your own specific goals. I have attended three of these courses so far, Find Your Focus was particularly useful as I left with a better understanding of the sort of area of work I would like to go into. For me this is a significant step forward as not knowing what I wanted to do was really hindering my progression.

Holly Inch, 24

Over a month working at Novas Scarman

The six weeks that I have been working for NSG seemed to have flown by at a fleeting pace. My two previous jobs were nothing of the sort- at stadium leisure, every minute was uncomfortable, and hours dragged at Debenhams, whereupon my experience mainly revolved around 'recovery' (in other words tidying the shelves every five minutes). NSG is nothing like this- finally I've found an occupation that I thoroughly enjoy, and one that is challenging-one to look forward to waking up every morning, which is something I never expected.

I seem to have moulded to the shape of my job almost effortlessly, naturally, unconsciously. A workmate said to me that because of how laid back and comfortable I seemed, she said it felt like 'I had been working there for ages'. This was a warming comment, and only then did I begin to realise that I felt that way too. Sometimes I'm so comfortable that I accidentally stay an extra half hour by accident without even realising!

I am happy to have this Easter holiday to relax and also reflect. Though with a cold, I feel a sense of purpose in my life again, and feel comfortable exactly where I am in my life now.

steve fretter, 24