From setback to security: Connor's Restart Scheme story
August 24, 2026Posted by:
Connor joined The Restart Scheme with fairly low expectations. He assumed it would be much like previous prgrammes he'd tried, and wasn't sure how much support he'd actually receive.
His first appointment was with Employment Advisor, Hemang Patel, who took the time to understand Connor's goals, aspirations and the barriers standing in his way. Hemang enrolled him on several employability courses, helping him build his skills, confidence and readiness for work.
Connor also began attending Job Club sessions with Candice Skinner, Employer Relationship Manager. Through this support, he secured a warehouse position in November 2025 and was delighted to be back in work. When the role ended after a month, Connor didn't let it knock him back. He came straight back to the PeoplePlus office in Folkestone and worked with a Rapid Response Advisor to find his next opportunity.
He kept attending Candice's Job Club sessions, and she recognised his potential, encouraging him to consider a career in security. She introduced him to an upcoming SIA training course run by Dave Coleman of DGC Security. Connor took the opportunity, worked hard throughout the course, and passed. PeoplePlus then supported him in obtaining his SIA licence, clearing the last barrier between him and employment.
Once qualified, Candice began marketing Connor to local employers and putting his CV forward for suitable roles. The effort paid off quickly. Connor was invited to three interviews and received two job offers, giving him the rare chance to pick the role that best matched his career goals. He chose to join DGC, the company that had delivered his SIA training and had been impressed by his commitment throughout.
PeoplePlus also provided practical support along the way, funding work clothing and train tickets so Connor could get to interviews and his new job.
Connor said The Restart Scheme was far better than he'd expected. He felt PeoplePlus genuinely believed in him, supported him when he needed it most, and opened doors he might never have found on his own.
Today, Connor is back in work in the security industry, with his confidence transformed and a clear career path ahead of him.
Two weeks after starting his new job, Connor came back to the PeoplePlus office in Folkestone off of his own initiative, to speak with participants still completing their SIA training. He encouraged them to stay committed to the course and shared his own story, showing first hand how the support available through The Restart Scheme can lead to genuinely life changing opportunities.
August 24, 2026Posted by:
