Ceri T’s story

Careers support helped Ceri rebuild her confidence after a life-changing accident.

Ceri had worked as a teacher for 20 years.

In 2024, she suffered a serious accident which left her with a long recovery after surgery.

Ceri said, “The recovery period for this type of injury can take up to three years. It wasn’t just the physical side of it. Mentally, I wasn’t in a good place either. I became so worried about falling that I was even afraid to walk on my own.”

While recovering from her injuries, Ceri started thinking about her next steps.

She said, “I wasn't ready to work yet, but I was starting to look and see what was out there.”

Taking the first step

Ceri contacted Working Wales and booked an appointment at the Bridgend office. There, she met careers adviser Kelly.

Ceri said, “The first time I met Kelly, I started crying. I was even frightened to walk. But she was wonderful.”

Kelly took time to understand Ceri’s situation and help her think about her next steps. Together, they updated her CV, explored opportunities and identified ways to rebuild her confidence. Kelly also introduced Ceri to her colleague CK, an employability coach.

Rebuilding confidence

As Ceri recovered, Kelly helped her take small steps towards returning to work. This included a basic IT course.

Ceri said, “The course was like a little stepping stone for me. It was online, which made it easier at that stage, and there were a few other people on it.

“It helped me build my confidence and get used to being around people again.”

She added, “Kelly would find little things like that to build my confidence. She helped me realise I could get back into a workplace again.”

A full-circle moment

Before her accident, Ceri had already been considering a career change and had looked at opportunities with Careers Wales. The accident put those plans on hold.

Months later, Kelly highlighted a trainee careers adviser vacancy with Careers Wales and encouraged Ceri to apply. Kelly and CK also helped her prepare for the interview and presentation.

Ceri was successful and will soon begin her new role as a trainee careers adviser.

Ceri said, “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in work and I just want to get out there and get on with it.”

Advice to others

Ceri said, “I think definitely go to Careers Wales. You build up a relationship with the advisers. You don’t feel like just a number coming in looking for a job.

“They really look at the individual and what they’ve been through. There was always thought behind the support they gave.”

Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government. Working Wales provides career advice to those aged 16 and above.

If you've been inspired by Ceri’s story, you can book a free career review to help you make a career change.

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