Mark Power, an employment advisor for Palladium’s Restart scheme on the Isle of Wight, recently received dual honours at the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) Learning Awards.

Winning both the “Learning Ally of the Year” and “IEP Member of the Year” awards, Power’s contributions reflect his dedication to uplifting his colleagues and the local community. The awards were presented at the IEP’s Basecamp conference in Birmingham, where he was recognised for his commitment to professional development and collaboration.

The IEP Learning Awards spotlight outstanding professionals in the employability sector. Each year, awards are given to individuals who exhibit exceptional contributions to professional development, peer support, and direct client impact. The “Learning Ally of the Year” award, in particular, honours those who go above and beyond to share knowledge and mentor colleagues, while the “Member of the Year” award acknowledges members who have shown exceptional dedication to the IEP’s mission of enhancing the employability sector.

Power’s awards underscore his passion for his role and his dedication to empowering both his colleagues and his clients. “The nomination makes you feel very proud,” he reflects, “though I’m probably prouder of the Learning Ally nomination, as that focuses more on me sharing my knowledge with other colleagues.”

“Ultimately, our goal is to help every single person who walks through our doors to the best of our ability.”

In his role as an employment advisor, Mark works closely with individuals facing employment barriers. The UK Department of Work and Pensions Restart scheme, which Palladium delivers in the region, offers tailored support for people looking to re-enter the workforce, often after extended absences or challenging life circumstances.

“The most important part of my job is never judging anyone who walks through our door,” Power explains. “Everybody’s journey is unique, and we need to tailor our conversations and support to meet each individual’s specific needs.”

“We are really proud of Mark and all that he has achieved, both on Restart and with IEP,” says Restart Team Leader Becky Brocklehurst. “He is a great example of the person-centred approach that we strive to deliver across our team for everyone that walks through our doors.”

The Proof is in the Pudding

Power’s dedication to his clients is evident not only in his words but also in the stories he shares. He recalls one client, a highly skilled woman who lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, struggled with her confidence and motivation. After missing her initial appointments, Power continued to reach out, providing encouragement and a steady source of support. “I made sure she knew she had someone there for her, even when she wasn’t required to attend the office,” he says.

Over the months, Power worked diligently with her on confidence-building exercises, focusing on her strengths and helping her recognise her abilities. Eventually, she felt ready to apply for a position with the local council. On the morning of her interview, she reached out to Mark in a moment of doubt, and he reassured her, reminding her of her skills and potential. She attended the interview, impressed the panel, and was offered the job on the spot. Joyfully, she called Mark first to share the good news, highlighting the deep impact his support had on her journey.

“The thing I’m most proud of is knowing that I can make a change in someone’s life. Sometimes people just need someone to believe in them and work with them, and being that person makes me proud every single day.”

Power’s achievements have also strengthened his confidence in his professional abilities. Recently, he completed the IEP Level 3 Award in Employability, which he says has been invaluable in enhancing his skills and knowledge. “Being classed as an employability professional instils confidence in my ability to help people by making the right choices tailored to their circumstances,” he says. “Whether someone faces challenges related to ethnicity, neurodiversity, or other barriers, I feel equipped to provide the best support for their needs.”

Looking ahead, Power is excited to continue contributing to the Restart scheme and the broader employability sector. For him, the awards are not only a recognition of his dedication but also a reminder of the ongoing need to uplift those facing employment barriers. “Success is about changing someone’s life for the better, whether that’s through work or helping them stabilise their home life.”