Lynne Taylor from Bettws accepted voluntary redundancy from her office job at a leading Welsh steel manufacturer 3 years ago.

Having worked in the steel industry for 24 years, Lynne 44, was determined to find an occupation that would bring her job satisfaction. Thanks to advice from Careers Wales Gwent she has achieved a whole host of computer qualifications and found a new job that she loves.

With advice from Careers Wales Gwent and financial support from ELWa, Lynne enrolled on several courses and gained computer qualifications in Excel, Microsoft and Sage that gave her the confidence to apply for a temporary position working in administration for the business support team at the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA), in Newport.

Lynne explained: "I was very nervous about going back to college but gaining my computer qualifications was extremely beneficial and gave me the confidence boost I needed to start applying for jobs again."

Jan Koning, Adult Guidance Team Leader at Careers Wales Gwent said: "Lynne didn't know what she wanted to do with her future and so we had several meetings about her career and talked through job alternatives and her training needs. Lynne worked hard at college and gained valuable qualifications which have helped her to raise her self confidence and find a job she enjoys."

Lynne continued: "I am experiencing excellent working conditions and good training procedures at my current job and the members of the team at the IAA are very helpful.

"I am now working in a job that I love and I look forward to going to work each day. Thanks to the help I have received from Careers Wales Gwent I am a happier more confident person and I am looking forward to the future."