07/02/11
Merthyr woman returns to the classroom after 40 years to achieve career fulfilment
Dorcas Cox, 58, from Pant benefitted from the Chwarae Teg’s flagship Agile Nation project which has transformed her role at a busy Merthyr law firm. The training she received has helped her to grow with the company’s expansion and cope with the added responsibility of a senior secretary/line manger role that she has been given as a result.
Dorcas, who signed up for the project in a bid to improve her career prospects, is now the right-hand woman to 10 busy lawyers at the Gwyn George Partnership and says she is a “changed woman” in terms of her confidence and effectiveness in the workplace.
After ten years out of work raising her children, Dorcas worked as a secretary at another a Merthyr solicitors before moving to Gwyn George. As the firm grew in size, so did her responsibilities and Dorcas became aware of the need to broaden her skills, particularly in leadership, in order to succeed.
Dorcas signed up to the Ascent programme, designed to improve managerial skills, after her employers recommended the project to her. The Ascent programme is delivered through the £12 million European Social Fund and Welsh Assembly Government funded Agile Nation project. The project works with 2,790 women in convergence area in Wales, helping them advance in their careers and fulfil their potential. The programme provides a recognised award from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Dorcas said:
“Taking part in the Ascent programme was the best thing I’ve done in my career. Although I have been with Gwyn George for ten years, I wanted to improve my skills to make sure I was equipped to deal with the new challenges that were introduced as the firm grew.
“The course helped improve my communication skills which allowed me to become more involved in team meetings, whereas previously I would have stayed quiet. Returning to learning after 40 years was daunting, especially as I had coursework to complete after work. But my mentors were very supportive and helped me realise, it’s never too late to train and develop your career.”
Natalie Griffiths, regional project manager at Agile Nation said:
“Dorcas is a great example of how, even in the later stages of your career, there is always room to develop new skills which can be applied to the workplace. Dorcas is much more comfortable in taking on new challenges and is able to operate more effectively which has made her happier in her job.”
If you are interested in signing up or finding more information about how the Agile Nation project can benefit you, visit www.agilenation.co.uk.
