From Confidence to Careers: How Coaching Can Transform Lives – A Chat with Katie from SkillUp
At Skills & Learning, our mission goes far beyond courses and classrooms — it’s about empowering people to take the next step, whatever that may be. One of the driving forces behind this is our team of employability coaches who work one-to-one with learners through the SkillUp Programme.
To mark International Coaching Week, we sat down with Katie, one of our dedicated Employability Coaches, to find out more about her role, what inspires her, and the powerful transformations she’s seen through coaching.
Meet Katie – Employability Coach with a Passion for Change
“My name’s Katie, and I’m an Employability Coach at Skills and Learning. No two days are ever the same in my role,” she tells us. “I might be supporting someone who’s been out of work for a while, someone with a disability, or even someone who’s in work but looking to upskill.”
Katie works with people from all walks of life, offering practical help with CVs, interview techniques, and even improving LinkedIn profiles. But beyond that, she brings heart and humanity to each session.
Why Coaching? It’s Personal
Having been coached herself, Katie understands first-hand the impact it can have:
“I realised how coaching can really shift someone’s mindset and actions. I wanted to be part of that change — to help people who face challenges and show them the difference that support and belief can make.”
What Happens in a Coaching Session?
Katie explains that the first meeting is all about understanding:
“We start with a ‘starting point assessment’ — where are they now, and where do they want to go?”
From there, Katie works with each participant to identify their goals, strengths, and any confidence barriers. “We give them practical steps and follow up fortnightly. That accountability really helps people feel motivated.”
Confidence: The Most Common Challenge
When asked about recurring themes in her work, one word stands out: confidence.
“Many people come to us with low confidence, especially if they’ve had a break in employment,” says Katie. “Others believe things like age will hold them back. But it’s just not true — age is not a barrier, and we help them see that.”
Through tailored coaching, confidence-building workshops, and CV sessions, Katie helps participants rewrite their story — and their future.
Transformation in Action
One story that stays with Katie is of a woman who had spent years as a carer for her elderly parents and felt she had little left to offer an employer.
“She came to us feeling lost, unsure, and lacking in self-belief,” Katie recalls. “But we worked together on her CV, built her interview skills, and slowly that confidence began to grow. She eventually secured a full-time, permanent job — something she never thought possible. That’s why I love this job.”
More Than Just Job Outcomes
While landing a job is an important success metric, it’s not the only one.
“We celebrate when someone gets a job, of course,” Katie says. “But we also measure success in confidence, mindset changes, and steps towards training. Sometimes the first step is just showing up and believing you can change.”
What Makes SkillUp Different?
Katie believes it’s the people — and the breadth of experience — that set Skills & Learning apart.
“Many of us have backgrounds in teaching, HR, or specialist guidance roles. Plus, we’ve got fantastic local knowledge — we know the area, the employers, and how to find the right opportunities. And the service is free, subject to eligibility.”
Another big benefit? Access to a wide range of free courses in maths, English, digital skills, and more — all tailored to support people on their journey to employment.
Lessons Learned – For Coaches and Learners Alike
Coaching has taught Katie the power of adaptability:
“No two learners are the same, and I’ve learned to adjust how I work to meet them where they are. Coaching is about building trust and genuinely caring.”
And her advice to anyone unsure about reaching out?
“If you’re struggling or feeling stuck, just give it a go. Coaching gives you someone in your corner — someone to support and motivate you. You don’t have to do it alone.”
Interested in Coaching Support?
If you think the SkillUp programme could help you — whether you’re returning to work, changing careers, or simply unsure of your next step — our team of friendly coaches are here to guide you.
📧 Email: SkillUp@salbcp.com
🌐 Visit: www.skillsandlearningace.com/subjects/skill-up-ukspf
