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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.