The Restart Scheme in Manchester
The Restart Scheme is a government-backed employability programme, providing up to 12 months of enhanced support to help local residents get back to work in Greater Manchester.
It’s designed to break down any employment barriers that could be holding our participants back from finding employment.
Our dedicated career support advisors provide the below support:
- Job searching and employability skills
- Digital skills
- Workplace readiness
- Support with wellbeing and confidence
- Career development skills
One participant who recently completed the programme is Kamyar from Manchester. His career support advisor, Naomi, tells the story of how she and the team supported Kamyar to achieve his dream career.
Kamyar's story
Kamyar joined the Restart Scheme late in 2024 with a clear dream: to become a professional barber.
However, when he first started on the programme, he lacked confidence in his English language skills. As he was still learning English, he struggled with comprehension and communication, which made him doubt whether he could pursue his goal.
Despite this, Kamyar remained determined and motivated to achieve his dream.
Naomi begins by explaining how she identified his main barriers to employment and began to address them.
Planning and preparation
Naomi set to work on putting a plan in place for Kamyar to improve his English language skills, and explains in detail the level of support provided to boost these skills, his confidence, and his preparation for future interview opportunities.
"We worked on barbering terminology through tailored worksheets, watched YouTube tutorials, and practiced explaining techniques and tools to help him demonstrate understanding and build confidence.
"Kamyar also began working with Paulina, our ESOL specialist Restart Advisor, who supported him in developing conversational English and improving his overall confidence.
"While Paulina focused on his ESOL development, I supported Kamyar with interview skills, communication techniques, and preparing for employment opportunities."
Overcoming obstacles
Naomi worked with Kamyar to create a strong CV together which highlighted his passion and transferable skills he could bring to barbering. She also supported his with searching for relevant work experience and trainee opportunities.
While Kamyar showed great initiative in approaching local businesses for opportunities, Naomi explains how he hit a set back that would truly test his resilience and determination.
"Just as he was about to begin a role in a takeaway shop to gain UK work experience, Kamyar unfortunately faced housing difficulties and had to leave Manchester to move to Billingham.
"This was a challenging period for him, but even during this time, his determination never wavered.
"We continued to support him remotely with advice around housing, signposting to organisations such as Barnabus and Shelter, contacting private landlords, and completing referrals to ensure he had access to the right support."
Hard work paid off
Through hard work and perseverance, Kamyar later relocated to Sheffield — and this is where his breakthrough came. He secured an opportunity as a Trainee Barber, stepping directly into the career he had always dreamed of.
Naomi described how the team were able to go a step further in providing Kamyar with the equipment he needed to start his new role, as well as the pride she and her team felt on hearing his news, and how they were eventually able to celebrate his achievement together.
"To celebrate this milestone, we were proud to support Kamyar with brand new professional clippers and shavers for his new role, along with vouchers to purchase work clothing. It was a special moment seeing him begin his journey equipped with the tools of his trade.
"Shortly after starting his new job, Kamyar visited the office to personally thank the team. It was an emotional and proud moment for everyone.
"As an advisor, these are the moments that matter most — not just helping someone into employment, but helping them find their passion, their confidence, and their purpose."
Ready to break down your barriers to employment?
Find out more information about the Restart Scheme here