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'I've changed... - I've come out of my shell.' - Sandra Johnstone
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Sandra Johnstone, 38, is a lone mum raising her 4-year-old boy in Wallesy. Sandra had been a full-time mum since her son was born but wanted to move back into work once he started at nursery each morning. 'I felt very trapped at home full time.
I definitely wanted to be there for my son while he was young but I also craved adult conversation.' Sandra faced a particular problem once she'd decided to move back into work: before she became a mum she'd worked for 15 years as a manual engraver but demand for her skill was falling as computer-based engraving became more popular. |
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Sandra signed up for the work preparation course in July. 'I was terrified. I thought I'd be the oldest mum there but in fact I was one of the youngest.
After the first day I was raring to go! I realised that after four years at home I needed a confidence boost and a refresher. I had felt that the world had passed me by.' Sandra completed her work experience placement at the Birkenhead store. 'There was a very friendly atmosphere at the placement. All the staff were willing to help if I had a query.'
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Within weeks of finishing her placement Sandra was offered a permanent job as Customer Adviser at the Birkenhead store, working part time. 'Marks & Spencer is very childfriendly, because you can work your hours around the school day. I vary my hours each week.
What I like about the job is that you're not just sitting there, you're helping different people all the time. I love the customer contact.' Sandra's happy to be working again: 'I've changed as a result of the Marks & Spencer scheme. I've come out of my shell. I'm not as shy and have even joined a gym!'
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