To mark Employability Day 2026, colleagues and participants from the RESTART programme shared powerful stories that highlight the difference professional employability support can make in helping people overcome barriers and move into meaningful, sustainable employment.
This year’s theme, “We Get Britain Working,” recognised how the employability sector is contributing to the Government’s ambition of achieving an 80% employment rate and turning the Get Britain Working White Paper into action. Across the country, hundreds of organisations welcomes partners, employers, commissioners, local leaders and policymakers to see first-hand the impact of employment and skills services. Employability Day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of participants, recognise the dedication of frontline staff, and showcase the innovative approaches that help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
One participant shared how, after their temporary contract ended, they found themselves searching for permanent work in an increasingly competitive job market. Unsure about their prospects and concerned about their financial situation, they worked closely with their Restart Adviser, who encouraged them to widen their job search and consider opportunities outside their previous sector. With support to strengthen their CV, access new job search platforms and build confidence in interviews, they secured a permanent role in a completely new industry.
Reflecting on their experience, they said: “My work coaches encouraged me to be more confident in my job search.”
Another participant joined the programme after more than six months out of work while balancing around 30 hours of caring responsibilities each week for their mother. As someone over 50, they questioned whether employers would value their skills and experience and worried about returning to work while managing their caring commitments. Through personalised coaching, confidence-building support, practical help with digital skills, financial guidance and tailored job searching, they rebuilt their confidence step by step. A successful hospitality work trial led directly to a permanent role offering the flexibility they needed.
Looking back on their journey, they reflected: “I must have been one of your quickest clients.”
A third story came from someone whose experience with Restart has come full circle. After being made redundant following more than 30 years in work, they described unemployment as one of the most challenging periods of their life. As a single parent, the financial pressures and uncertainty affected both their confidence and wellbeing, leaving them questioning their future. Everything changed following a referral to the Restart programme. From their first conversations with the team in Worthing, they felt welcomed, supported and listened to. Through one-to-one guidance, workshops and ongoing encouragement, their confidence quickly returned. During a discussion about wanting a career that made a genuine difference to people’s lives, they learned of an opportunity to become an Employment Advisor. With support through the recruitment process, they secured the role and are now helping others overcome the same challenges they once faced themselves.
Reflecting on their journey, they said that being able to support others to rebuild their confidence, improve their circumstances and create better futures for themselves and their families is “truly meaningful.”
While every journey is different, these stories share a common thread. They demonstrate that professional employability support is about far more than helping someone find a job. Through personalised coaching, empathy, encouragement, labour market expertise and practical guidance, employability professionals help people rebuild confidence, overcome complex barriers and achieve sustainable employment that transforms lives.
As we celebrate Employability Day annually, these stories remind us that behind every successful job outcome is a dedicated team of professionals working alongside individuals to unlock potential, create opportunities and support stronger communities. Thank you to everyone supporting Employability Day 2026.