When I was told by my Job Centre Advisor that they were going to send me on another placement, I was not looking forward to it. In the past I had hated work placements as they were all pretty boring. Back in September I spent a month with Learn Direct and they sent me to Mustard Tree on placement. I enjoyed it, and when I finished with Learn Direct I took the opportunity of joining Mustard Tree’s 20-week Freedom Project. I found it was really good for my work experience, especially as my main goal was to get a job.

It was a real boost to my confidence when I asked to join the project, as everyone thought I had done a great job in my first month. I was volunteering as part of a small team in the office on the help desk. This involved manning the busy phones, sorting out enquires and keeping the collections and deliveries on track, which is no small task once the lines start getting busy. But ensuring the Mustard Tree vans all go to the right place with the right items at the right time is crucial to the work of the charity.

My time at the Mustard Tree was short, as I now have a full time job in which I am able to use the skills I picked up there. My new role, which I just started (November 2014) also involves answering phones and helping customers with their enquiries.

I not only enjoyed my experience at Mustard Tree, but I have also met some really nice people, gained new skills and gained a job out of it! What more could I have asked for?