Exeter Community Initiatives came into Natalie’s life when she was looking to get back to work after having children.
Natalie attended Exeter Community Initiatives’ Remade furniture upcycling course which is open to people registered unemployed or economically inactive and considering moving towards employment or education.
On the 10- week course Natalie learned upcycling and woodworking skills, used reclaimed pallet wood to design and build a chair and was also given advice and information on work updating her CV and learning opportunities.
Natalie said: “I really enjoyed the course and meeting people but what I loved even more was working as part of a team and being able to assist other participants if they were struggling with a process or design idea.”
The course gave Natalie the confidence to seek employment, initially within a school administrative role before she found her perfect job as a Design and Technology Technician in a local secondary school, where she has been since September 2022.
Natalie said: “Exeter Community Initiatives’ Remade course helped me regain my confidence and was the catalyst that got me the job I love. One of the best things I did was sign up for that course, so thank you ECI!”