Marie's story
Marie was one of the 17 successful recruits to graduate from St Mungo's Apprenticeship Scheme in October. Previous to this, she had led a difficult life having spent eight years being homeless.
"I started drinking at the age of 14, when I was put into care. It carried on for years but really became a problem when my baby died. Then my children got taken into care and I began sleeping rough - in squats, parks, anywhere I could. In 2004 I ended up in hospital with only an hour to live. That was the turning point: I knew I wanted to do something with my life and was determined to get myself better. With the help of AA I stopped drinking and went into temporary accommodation.
After she'd been in recovery for a couple of years and no longer homeless, Marie decided she wanted to give something back, but wasn't sure how. "I began doing some volunteering at St Mungo's projects and decided this is what I wanted to do. I'd already completed a 'Vulnerable Adults and Children' course at college when I heard about the Apprenticeship Scheme from one of the Activities Supervisors."
Honesty really helps with people
With determination and a lot of support from St Mungo's staff, Marie got onto the scheme and spent her year as an apprentice project worker at our Endell Street hostel in Camden. "The staff were very supportive and patient and working one-on-one with clients was very rewarding. I could really empathise with their situation, which helped. I'm always honest about my background with clients; I think some found it inspiring."
All in all, it was an incredibly positive experience for Marie: "I've learned so much as an apprentice. I've completed an NVQ Level Two in Health and Social Care, I'm more assertive and have so much confidence. This is the only job I've ever had, so getting that first pay check at the age of 43 was a fantastic feeling. I know it sounds funny, but I get such a sense of satisfaction from paying bills - knowing that I'm paying my own way."
Since graduating from the scheme, Marie has got a job as a project worker at homeless agency Broadway. "The idea of starting somewhere as a "Project Worker" - not "apprentice" or "volunteer" - makes me feel proud. It's something I've been working towards for two years."
Marie says she would definitely recommend the Apprenticeship Scheme to others "It's a good way to get into this type of work, at your own pace. I got a lot of support and I wasn't expected to know everything and could always ask for help. However, it can be tough at times - you've really got to want to do the work. But I've really enjoyed it and I'm grateful to St Mungo's for taking me on. They've given me a career."