Ollie’s success story.

When Ollie Whittaker joined the Get Set UK Work Wise programme, he was feeling stuck and uncertain about his future. After being out of work for some time, he lacked confidence and wasn’t sure how to move forward. Despite wanting to work, the job market felt overwhelming, and his previous experiences left him unsure where his skills would fit. 

That’s where the Work Wise team stepped in. Ollie worked closely with his Employment Advisor, Thomas Kenney, who gave him the space to reflect on his interests and strengths while building his confidence step by step. Together, they mapped out achievable goals, breaking them down into simple actions and focusing on realistic next steps. This personalised support helped Ollie shift his mindset from feeling stuck to seeing real opportunities ahead. Together they: 

✅ Explored his strengths, interests, and what a fulfilling career might look like.
✅ Developed a step-by-step action plan that felt achievable and realistic.
✅ Reframed setbacks and worked on building a more positive, confident mindset. 

The results have been transformational. Ollie is now focused, motivated, and actively pursuing roles that align with his skills and ambitions. He no longer doubts his potential and is looking forward to a future built on clarity and purpose. 

The success of the programme lies in its ability to meet individuals where they are, providing personalised support and encouraging reflection, which is key to helping people like Ollie regain focus and start building momentum toward a brighter future. 

Working alongside Surrey County Council, Work Wise focuses on support services for individuals looking for long-term paid employment, employees who need support to continue in their current role and employers who are looking to become more inclusive. Find out more about the Work Wise programme here