Sometimes the hardest part of any new journey is taking the first step.
For Noel, that step came at a time when life had changed direction. After surgery, he found himself out of work and unable to continue in his previous role. Like many people in that position, he was faced with a big question: what now?
What followed is a brilliant example of how the right support, the right training and the right encouragement can help someone find a whole new path. Through the Ards and North Down Employability Academy, delivered by People 1st and supported by Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership, Noel was able to build his confidence, gain relevant knowledge and move into a rewarding new role in a school in Bangor.
Today, he is working in St Comgall’s and making a real difference in a child’s life every day. His story is honest, encouraging and a powerful reminder that a fresh start can sometimes lead exactly where you are meant to be.
How the Ards and North Down Employability Academy helped Noel take the first step
When Noel joined the programme, he was looking for a way forward after a difficult period. He had been out of work following surgery and knew he could no longer continue in the job he had done before. At the same time, he already had a strong interest in working with children through his involvement in coaching kids’ football.
That interest made the next step feel like the right one.
As Noel explains:
“I decided to join the People 1st employability scheme as I was out of work following surgery, which meant I could no longer continue in my previous job. I coach kids’ football and have always wanted to work with children, so it felt like the right step for me.”
That line alone says so much. Noel was not simply looking for any job. He was looking for a role where he could use his natural strengths, his patience and his interest in supporting young people. The Employability Academy helped him turn that instinct into a real and achievable career move.
For many participants, this is exactly what an employability programme can do. It provides a bridge between uncertainty and opportunity. It helps people recognise what they already bring to the table and gives them the tools to move forward with purpose.
How the Ards and North Down Employability Academy built Noel’s confidence for school work
One of the biggest parts of Noel’s story is confidence.
Starting over can be daunting, especially after time away from work. Even when someone has the right attitude and potential, confidence can be the missing piece. Noel’s experience shows how important it is for training to do more than just deliver information. It also needs to build belief.
During his time on the programme, Noel gained valuable insight into what working in a school environment would actually involve. He learned about the structure of a typical school day, the range of needs children may have and the standards expected in that setting. Just as importantly, he developed the confidence to believe he could succeed there.
In Noel’s words:
“The training I received was very informative, and the mentors were always on hand to help with any questions. The programme gave me the confidence to feel ready to work in a school. I developed a good understanding of what a typical school day looks like, the different needs children may have and, most importantly, the confidence that I could succeed and excel in the role.”
That final point matters. Employability support works best when it helps someone feel ready both practically and personally. Noel did not just leave with knowledge. He left with the self-belief needed to take that next opportunity seriously.
From training to employment in St Comgall’s, Bangor
A success story becomes even more powerful when it leads to a real outcome, and Noel’s certainly did.
With support from his work coach, Maria, Noel was helped with his CV and supported through the job application process. That practical guidance made a real difference and helped keep his journey moving in the right direction.
He was then contacted by St Comgall’s in Bangor for an informal chat with the principal. Thanks to the preparation and confidence he had gained through the programme, Noel felt ready to present himself well and show that he was capable of stepping into the role.
It paid off.
He was first offered a six-week contract, which has since been extended into a rolling contract. That kind of progression says a great deal. It shows that Noel not only secured the role, but also made such a positive impression that the opportunity continued.
As Noel puts it:
“My journey was very straightforward, thanks to my amazing work coach, Maria, who helped with my CV and even supported me in applying for jobs. I was contacted by St Comgall’s for an informal chat with the principal and, with the training behind me, I felt confident enough to show I was ready for employment in a school. I was initially offered a six-week contract, which has now been extended into a rolling contract. I absolutely love my job and only wish I had taken this step years ago.”
That last sentence is a lovely one, because it captures the emotional side of career change. Sometimes the right opportunity does not just provide employment. It brings relief, fulfilment and a sense that things have fallen into place.
Why Noel’s Ards and North Down Employability Academy story will inspire others
There are lots of reasons why Noel’s story stands out.
First, it speaks to people who may feel that a setback has knocked them off course. Noel was dealing with a major change after surgery and had to rethink his future. That can feel overwhelming. His experience shows that a new beginning is possible.
Second, his story will resonate with people who feel unsure about whether they are capable of stepping into a new sector. Noel openly admits that the beginning felt nerve-wracking and that he questioned himself. That honesty makes his progress even more meaningful.
He says:
“This experience has given me real belief in myself – that I can do the job and do it to the best of my ability. At the beginning, it was nerve-wracking and I did question myself, but once I settled in and got used to the routines, everything fell into place.”
Third, Noel’s story shows the real value of meaningful work. What he enjoys most about his new role is not just having a job. It is knowing that he is helping a child progress.
He explains:
“The thing I love most about working in a school is knowing I’m making a difference in a child’s life. The child I support has made excellent progress throughout the year and it gives me great pride to know I’ve played a part in that.”
That is such a strong reflection of why employability programmes matter. They do not just move people into work. They help people find roles where they can contribute, grow and feel proud of what they do.
People 1st and Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership working together
Noel’s story is also a reminder that behind every successful outcome there is often a team of people helping make it happen.
In Noel’s case, that included his work coach Maria, whose support clearly meant a great deal to him throughout the process. One of the most memorable parts of his testimonial is the warmth with which he describes that support:
“The support I received from People 1st was exceptional. Maria was like a fairy godmother – she sprinkled a little magic and made everything feel easier. Any time I needed advice, she was there.”
That is a brilliant quote to keep in the article because it brings real personality and emotion to the piece.
This is also the ideal place to add your extra quote from Maria once you get it. I’d slot it in here as a pull quote, for example:
Maria Baker Ames, People 1st, said:
“[Insert Maria’s quote about Noel’s progress, attitude and the value of the initiative.]”
You could then follow it with a short paragraph like this:
Maria’s perspective will add another valuable layer to the story, helping readers understand not only Noel’s personal journey, but also the wider impact of the Ards and North Down Employability Academy for local people who need support, confidence and practical pathways into employment.
Noel’s story also carries another lovely endorsement of the programme: he has already recommended it to others, and his wife has since completed the course too and secured work in another school. That kind of word-of-mouth trust says a lot about how meaningful the experience has been.
A fresh start that became a new future
Noel’s journey from being out of work after surgery to securing a role he genuinely loves is a brilliant example of what can happen when determination meets the right support.
He took a chance on a new direction. He built his confidence. He gained the understanding he needed. He stepped into a school environment ready to learn and contribute. And now he is in a role where he knows he is making a difference every single day.
For anyone wondering whether it is worth signing up, Noel’s experience gives a very clear answer.
Sometimes the first move really is the most important one.
We are delighted to see Noel doing so well in St Comgall’s, Bangor, and we wish him every continued success as he moves forward in this new career.
A big thank you as well to Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership for supporting opportunities like this and helping local people access confidence, skills and real routes into employment through the Ards and North Down Employability Academy.
Interested in a fresh start of your own?
People 1st works with Labour Market Partnerships to help local people build skills, confidence and routes into employment. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for future opportunities and success stories. You can also visit their page here: https://www.andbusiness.co.uk/andlmp and find out about current academies running in the council area here: https://www.andbusiness.co.uk/labour-market-partnership/academies and also read more about how the academies work here on our academies page: https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/academies/
We would also like to say a special thanks to Jordan’s fantastic childcare tutor, Diana Delaney, and her stellar mentor, Bridget McCabe – they’ve been a great support on this journey!
It’s a true testament to teamwork and commitment. 
