A4e Gateway Course, Day 10

I don't really know what this day was for. Filled in 2 forms about my experience and then waited until 1pm for it to be over. Most of the day was used productively by people throwing paper aeroplanes at each other.

So my gateway course is over, and they almost convinced me I really was stupid with all their degrading, patronising efforts. But then I remembered I was being taught to write CVs and letters by someone with no teaching qualifications who gave incorrect advice about spelling and good use of english.

I have now been issued with a recommendation to complete a 13 week IAP course to continue my jobsearch, whatever that means. I assume it means I'm still to be treated like a child who could not possibly be trusted to look for a job without being watched. I actually can, and I think my A4e 'trainer' would agree as I was left to my own devices pretty much the whole time I was there. I'm glad someone had some sense, it's just a shame the jobcentre are so lacking in it.

Looking forward to next weeks meeting with the New Deal 'Advisor'. Already raising my hackles with their ridiculous courtesy call to remind me to go in.

A4e Gateway Course, Day 1, Induction

Arrive late, due to morning being wasted by JobCentre Advisor. On arrival, I am handed a basic numeracy test and told I have half an hour until tea break. I have a scientific degree & doctorate! Quite bemused by this personally tailored approach to helping me that my New Deal Bully described. Very glad when tea break finally arrives. And what useful thing comes for the final part of the afternoon? What thing that will help me get a job that I just hadn't thought of before? A general knowledge quiz! Now that is thinking outside of the box! One whole day wasted where the jobcentre is actively stopping me looking for jobs!