Supporting Keri Jones on her resettlement journey
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 03/04/2023
Keri left the Royal Navy after serving for more than 16 years, from 2004 to 2021. Despite enjoying her ability to travel and work with new people, Keri felt it was time for something new, and so registered for resettlement support through the CTP.
“I left school in May 2004 and joined the Royal Navy as an Operation Mechanic, eventually being promoted to Leading Hand. I really enjoyed travelling throughout my time in Service and would probably have never been able to see the places I’ve been to had I not joined up. I also enjoyed the teams I worked with, which were always changing, and so I was able to meet a lot of new people.”
Resettlement
Once registered for her support, Keri attended the CTP’s self-employment awareness workshop and undertook a civilian work attachment (CWA), to help achieve her dream of setting up her own business:
“I found the self-employment awareness workshop very helpful, especially in meeting other people who were in the same boat as me. We were able to share ideas and ask each other questions which got everyone thinking in ways we likely wouldn’t have done, had we not all been in a room together.
"I then used my GRT to attend a CWA at The Sussex Flower School where I completed a 10-day course over 3 months to become a qualified florist. I also undertook additional 1-day courses to help towards achieving my end-goal of setting up my own florist company.”
Keri also found value in her relationship with her CTP Career Consultant, as well as the online resources available via the CTP website:
“My Career Consultant was great, always kept in touch and answered any questions I had. As I already knew that I wanted to set up my own business, myPlan was useful in helping keep me on track and ensuring I was clear on what steps I needed to take to keep moving forward.
"The videos available on the CTP website were also a good resource to have available, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which meant a lot of face-to-face support was on hold.”
Successful Outcome
Keri is now a self-employed florist, running her own business – Keri Jones Floral Design:
“I have started my own floristry business where I now work from home. I create all arrangements from bouquets to weddings and funerals, and can be as flexible as I want – which means I’m always there for my family whenever they need me.
"The skills I learned during my time in Service have been invaluable. I’m able to work well under pressure whenever a last-minute order comes in, and I feel confident planning for larger events such as weddings, where there’s a lot of work to be done within a strict timeframe. My experience of meeting and working with new people on a regular basis has also helped, and means I’m able to communicate effectively with clients.
"Plus, the CTP have been great and have kept in touch to see if I ever need any extra support – something I really appreciate.”
Advice
As a final piece of advice to fellow Service leavers, Keri says:
“Research the market and your local area – what it is you want to do. Understand your weaknesses and find the help you need to improve them; for example, if you don’t understand taxes, speak with an accountant or take an accountancy course.”
If you’d like to find out more about the wealth of training courses available through the CTP, please click here.