Aegis the union represents workers in the finance sector, a sector that is currently going through a period of change. 

Banks and building societies have recognised that the world has changed its banking habits and they need to modernise their services, to embrace the new digital world.  However, the effect this is having on the unions members is that local branches are being closed and roles within Finance are changing.

Julie Thompson is a UnionLearn Project Worker with Aegis the Union. Julie said:

As a result of these on going changes Learn with Aegis are finding learners approaching us wanting to ensure they have the right transferable skills. They are looking for support from the union to ensure that they are career ready for any changes to their job role specification, and potential interviews.”

We were recently approached by a learner who needed to find such a new role within finance.  They were highly skilled and had been sending CVs to companies where they expected a response – however they heard nothing back.  Their morale was pretty low when they approached our team”.

Project Workers at Aegis spoke to the learner to gain a better understanding of their needs – and soon advised them to do a Futurelearn course on “How to succeed at writing applications”. They signed up for the courses and, after completion, revamped the look of their CV – with very positive results.

Julie added that:

Around a month after we met with them they got back in touch with the team to say they had secured a new role - with an increased salary! We were really pleased for them, and happy to hear that they credited the job offer purely down to having our support, completing the course and their revamped CV.”

The learner, who has preferred to remain anonymous, said:

I came to the union for some advice as I was looking for a new role, I sent off my CV to several companies and heard nothing back, this had me wondering what to do. Julie and her team suggested I try one of the FutureLearn courses.”

I took the course and completely revamped my CV; the content did not change but the wording and presentation were much improved.  Long story short, I have now obtained new employment – my CV and application were sifted from 131 applicants to 25 who were invited to the first part of the recruitment process and I believe this was due to my new improved CV.”

The learner was really please, not only with the support from the union, but also the course they were directed to, and said:

The course was easy to follow and gave some great hints and tips – I’ve recommended this to several others who are also looking for alternative employment.”