18/05/2026
Provision House Case Study: Returning to Work After a Career Break♥️
“A single mother of two joined Provision House’s Retail and Customer Service course in autumn 2024. She was referred to the programme by a family member who volunteers for us and had previously completed the same course. Although she had work experience in hospitality, food service, and as a transport es**rt, she had never worked in retail and was eager to try something new after a seven-year career break to raise her children.
From the outset, she thrived in the Emporium Charity Shop, displaying a natural flair for customer service and engaging warmly with visitors. Midway through the course, she was diagnosed with a temporary health condition. Despite this challenge, she remained committed and completed the course by December 2024.
While initially applying for retail jobs, she soon realised that the working hours were not compatible with her responsibilities as a single parent. She therefore chose to enrol in the Upcycling Course at Provision House, seeking a more flexible path and the possibility of starting her own business, something that could fit around her children’s needs and make use of her creativity.
After completing the Upcycling Course in early 2025, which included tailored employability support, she successfully applied for a part-time position at a primary school. She began work as a Lunchtime Supervisor and continues to enjoy the role, which allows her to balance employment with parenting. Her confidence and ambition have grown significantly, and she’s now exploring future enterprise ideas for the longer term.”
Another great success story of the wrap around support we can offer👏
- Provision House.
