Lynsey Pickering, 44, from Norton was made redundant from her job as a project manager but has her sights set high on a senior management position, after securing a place on a programme at Stockton Riverside College through the OneDoor network.
The OneDoor network is a partnership between Redcar and Cleveland College, Darlington College, Stockton Riverside College, Hartlepool FE College, Middlesbrough College and Teesside University - recently voted ‘University of the Year’ in the Times Higher Education Awards.
The network has funding available for businesses and individuals looking to access professional development programmes, business innovation and careers advice and guidance.
Lynsey said: 'This is the second time that I have been made redundant and both times I have seen it as an opportunity to take my career to another level.
'In 2002, following the effect of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York I was working as a business manager when cut backs in the industry led to wide scale redundancies. Back then I seized the opportunity to change career direction and landed a job in call centre before moving into project management, where I have worked for the past two years, although I have been a practicing manager for over 24 years.
Ready for a new challenge 'This summer, ready for a new challenge and faced with redundancy, I decided to further my skills and knowledge base and enrolled on a strategic management and leadership course at my local college, Stockton Riverside College.
'It couldn’t have been made any easier thanks to OneDoor. Not only have they funded the majority of the course fees, which could have been a deterrent given I had just lost my job, but the advisors were able to point me in the direction of Stockton Riverside College and the course tutor I needed to speak to.'
Lynsey is confident that the course will significantly enhance her CV and provide her with the qualifications on paper that complement her experience. She added: 'Although I have worked in management at a senior level for a number of years, I don’t necessarily have the academic qualifications to support my experience. Whilst this has not held me back, I know that in order to secure a more senior position, this strategic management course will be hugely beneficial.'
As well as support for local businesses, OneDoor provides access to training for individuals looking to boost their skills, funding up to £500 of the cost of a training course. Individuals can choose from a wide range of courses.
Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University and spokesperson for the OneDoor network said: 'OneDoor is providing a vital service for both businesses and individuals in Tees Valley who are faced with the challenges of today’s economy. More and more people like Lynsey are turning to OneDoor for advice and financial support on how to increase their skills and employability or even retrain all together.'
OneDoor, working with One North East and Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE), has direct access to funding for the training needs of individuals and businesses across the TeesValley. T: 0845 463 0101.