Key points:
- Returning to work starts with confidence
- Volunteering creates a pathway into employment
- Qualifications support progression into sustained roles
Evidence content
For many learners, the challenge of returning to work after time away is not just about skills, but confidence and knowing where to start.
Diana had been out of the workplace for over ten years while raising her children. During this time, she had no experience of working in a school setting, but had a clear ambition to become a Teaching Assistant.
Her journey began with volunteering – providing a practical way to gain experience, build confidence and understand the role in a real environment.
Alongside this, Diana enrolled on courses in Support Work in Schools Level 2 and progressed to Support Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 3. These qualifications gave her the knowledge and structure needed to move forward.
This combination of:
- volunteering
- structured learning
- clear progression
created a pathway into employment.
Diana progressed from a voluntary role into a paid position in a Pupil Referral Unit, demonstrating how experience and qualifications can work together to support entry into the workforce.
Her journey was also shaped by resilience and personal growth.
“Before this I struggled to even leave the house, so to even do the course and then go back out to work and win an award for it is amazing.”
The impact extended beyond employment. Diana describes the pride she felt in sharing her achievement with her children, highlighting the wider wellbeing and family impact of returning to work.
“Seeing my children so excited and proud of me made me feel incredibly proud of myself.”
In recognition of her journey, Diana was awarded Wandsworth Lifelong Learning Learner of the Year 2025.
You can watch her story in her own words here:
Her progression from being at home, to volunteering, to gaining qualifications and securing employment reflects a clear and supported pathway.
This case highlights the importance of combining confidence building, real-world experience and structured learning. Together, these elements enable learners to return to work in a way that is achievable, supported and sustainable.
London Borough of Wandsworth
Wandsworth Council’s Lifelong Learning service (WCLL) is part of Wandsworth Council’s Education Division in the Children’s Services Department. This includes provision for young people and adults.
- An extensive programme of part-time accredited and non-accredited courses
- Apprenticeships for young people and adults
- Work experience and preparation for employment
- Youth Programmes including the Trailblazer Full Potential and UKSPF Jumpstart to Success
