Designs on a better way of life

Apr 3 2007 By The Journal

Jill Cordes, 36, from South East Northumberland, works at Ikea in Gateshead.

She says: "My job is in the Communication and Interior Design department where I design and build the displays and room sets in the store.

"I've always enjoyed my role in the retail side of the business, but I started to think about the other roles within Ikea and what skills I would need to take on a new challenge. I sort of knew in which direction I wanted to go, but I wasn't too sure what courses and options were available to me. I also have an 11-year-old daughter so I knew I wouldn't be able to travel too far or spend a lot of time studying."

Jill spoke to a lifelong learning adviser at learndirect. "When I started to find out more about LtW I couldn't believe it existed, to be honest," she says. "It was exactly what I was looking for."

She registered for an advanced diploma with Northumbria University and developed a tailored programme with her tutors.

"This project will directly benefit Ikea and will be put into use immediately," says Jill. "Getting a qualification is important to me. When I started in retail display, I didn't need a degree to do what I wanted to do, but now I know I want to go further and the qualification will show I have the ability and experience to do that.

"The learning through work programme is a fantastic idea; it's tailored exactly for people like me. It's absolutely ideal."

Ikea has been so pleased with what Jill's doing that she was promoted to department manager and then to project co-ordinator.