When it comes to finding the ideal career path, Jessica knows that developing more skills can only lead to further opportunities.
That’s why the former admin worker signed up to complete the CSCS with Health and Safety Bespoke Employer Led Programme (BELP) at Stockton Employment Hub alongside Stockton Riverside College.
“It was a chance to get the tickets to work on a construction site,” said the 29-year-old from Marske.
After various jobs, mainly working behind a desk, she felt ready to embark on a more hands-on active career.
Having originally studied interior design at university, Jessica has never shied away from trying something completely different.
And hers is a drive inspired by having faced and overcome one of the biggest challenges life can throw at you.
In 2022, both she and her dad, simultaneously and coincidentally, battled Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively, even undergoing chemotherapy at the same time.
“Before results from the tests came back, I said I knew what it was,” said Jessica, who had seen her dad face similar symptoms prior to his diagnosis.
“I didn’t let it bother me as we were going through such a lot at the time, I was more bothered about supporting my mum and dad,” she said.
For her, she added, missing out on a holiday felt like the worst part. It was no doubt that, let’s get through this attitude, along with a strong support network of friends and family, and the team of experts at James Cook University Hospital haematology department, that helped the pair face their challenges head on and come out the other side.
Jessica is now determined to live life to the full and career-wise that means finding work that gives her a real sense of satisfaction.
Being made redundant in January this year gave her the freedom to try something completely new.
Having got a taste for construction working alongside her dad as an electrician’s mate as a youngster, she said a trade has always appealed.
Completing a short multi-skills course with a training provider, Jessica knew that the additional skills and qualifications acquired on the BELP could only further enhance her CV.
“I knew if I was going to get a role in construction, I would need to be on site, so it seemed a good idea to get my CSCS card,” she said.
Enjoying the programme, training with a group of mixed abilities, from those after a renewal to those just starting out, it has only added to her skillset.
She has even been able to put some of that knowledge to good use with some DIY at home.
Achieving full marks on her CSCS test, she said: “I have always enjoyed doing practical things but never thought I would be good at it.
“I was the only girl on the programme, and I was a bit of a swat.”
Now training and working part-time as a swimming instructor, another string to her bow, she remains open to the new skills and opportunities ahead.
“I had to stop everything to go through treatment. Things can still feel a little daunting.
“I think everything happens for a reason. I know I have been through a lot, but in some ways, it feels like I am starting my life over.”
To find out more about the bespoke employer led programmes available with Stockton Riverside College visit: Bespoke Employer Led Programmes (BELPs) | Stockton Riverside College
