Redundant Durham Man Embarks on a New Career
After 30 years in the beer, wine and spirits trade, Sonny Brightwell, from Easington Village, County Durham, was made redundant. Not ready for retirement, he followed his son’s advice to consider a career in the contact centre industry.
Due to a chronic back condition, Sonny, 58, felt that his career options were limited. He knew that the North East offered many opportunities to work in contact centres and whilst he had many life skills, his knowledge of computers was limited and his typing ability minimal. That’s when his son suggested a training course with Contact Centre Professional (CCP).
Sonny completed the training course and gained his numeracy and literacy qualifications. He said: “I explained my weaknesses to the tutors and they assured me that I had no reason to be concerned, and that they would ensure I had all the skills I needed by the end of the course. They were right.”
During his training he impressed his tutors so much that they nominated him for an Aim High Network Achievement Award which was presented to him earlier this year by famous author and TV agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Although Sonny had completed the appropriate training, he felt like his age was against him when he was looking for work, so, he turned to Acumen Development Trust for extra help to support him with his job search.
He said: “My adviser at Acumen put me at ease and gave me the confidence to believe that I would be re-employed.”
Sonny is now in the training phase of his new role at a large utility company in the North East and he said: “I am really enjoying my training and am looking forward to starting my new role.”
If you are looking for training in the contact centre industry then call Contact Centre Professional for more information on 0191 5872682.