It’s never too late to land a dream job – says 65-year-old Melvin from Portsmouth

As part of Aspirations Week, officers from the National Careers Service have been visiting The Learning Centre to help people with their future choices. Careers officers have been working with people on skills such as CV writing, carrying out effective job searches and interview technique.

One person attending the workshops was 65-year-old Melvin Salisbury who has been out of work since 2016 after leaving his job as a courier driver.

Melvin, who also previously worked as a driving instructor and engineer, said: ‘The courses really gives you the skills to put yourself forward in the best light and to not freeze at interview. I normally do around three courses a year which can last up to five weeks. I might be 65 but I want to keep working and stay active.’

While Melvin has not yet managed to return to full-time employment the service has given him the platform to work towards his ‘dream job’ of working in a museum.

‘I really love history and am currently working as a volunteer at the Historic Dockyard’s Boat House 4 Exhibition where I’m putting together a book library. It was through coming to the careers sessions that I found out about the opportunity. Hopefully it can lead to something more permanent. It’s important to still aspire to succeed and working in a museum would be my dream job,’ said Melvin.

It’s a sentiment shared by Hampshire careers adviser, Shirley Davies.

Shirley said: ‘Our role is to support people to find out out what they want to do in the future whether that be courses, jobs or even a career change.’

Shirley and fellow careers officer, Desi Taylor, explained there had been an increasing trend in older people looking to get into new careers.

Desi said: ‘We are seeing a lot more people over 50 looking to change careers. It’s never too late and it’s good to have aspirations whatever your age.’

Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for education, Suzy Horton, said: ‘It's important for all our adults to have aspirations and it’s great the Careers Service can support people to get into the jobs they want. These people can then also provide role models to our children as to what can be achieved.’