Georgeana Gonzalez Sandoval, a 38-year-old Hertfordshire resident, is no stranger to career shifts and challenges. With a solid HR background, Georgeana decided to make a bold career change to the mental health field. Despite her enthusiasm, she faced barriers in finding entry-level opportunities, as her HR experience sometimes led employers to view her as “overqualified.” Seeking a fresh start in a field she was passionate about, Georgeana enrolled in Oaklands College’s Mental Health Peer Supporter Skills Bootcamp, offered in collaboration with Mind in Mid Herts. 

Discovering the Skills Bootcamp 
Georgeana found out about the Mental Health Peer Supporter Skills Bootcamp through the Oaklands College website. The course provided a clear pathway into mental health roles by focusing on hands-on learning and practical support for navigating this field. For Georgeana, the bootcamp offered a way to gain specific skills, expand her knowledge, and ultimately make herself more appealing to employers in mental health support. 

Skills Acquired 
Throughout the program, Georgeana gained a nuanced understanding of mental health challenges and support techniques. Key skills and insights she gained include: 

• Understanding Mental Health Factors: This included learning about the various factors that can impact mental well-being. 

• Mental Health Diagnoses: Georgeana developed an understanding of common mental health conditions, equipping her to support others effectively. 

• Peer Support Skills: Training focused on practical peer support techniques to help those in mental health recovery. 

• Career Preparation in Mental Health: The course provided Georgeana with practical skills and knowledge to make her a competitive candidate in the job market. 

The training also offered a supportive environment, where Georgeana learned alongside peers with shared goals, which she found invaluable. "I learned a lot not just from the course content but from the people around me. It made a huge difference to have others who were also committed to making a difference in mental health.” 

Progression and Success 
Upon completing the Skills Bootcamp, Georgeana secured a role as a Recruitment Administrator in the HR department of an NHS Trust. While this role may not be in direct peer support, it allows her to draw on her mental health training to create a more supportive, empathetic environment in recruitment. Her new role also serves as a step closer to her ultimate goal of working directly with individuals in mental health recovery. 

Inspiring Others 
Georgeana’s story reflects the resilience and determination needed to change careers. Her experience underscores the importance of Skills Bootcamps in providing adults with targeted, practical skills that allow them to overcome employment barriers. Her commitment to making a difference continues to inspire others who may be navigating similar career transitions. 

Georgeana’s journey highlights how programs like the Mental Health Peer Supporter Bootcamp empower individuals to build careers in fields they are passionate about, ultimately making a meaningful impact in their communities.