Seetec Reviews 238

I've Just had my first meeting with seetec (Kidderminster) hopefully my last ! it's six months after it was initially set up by the job centre . after countless attempts by phone and email all documented on my journal and face to face with my work coach. They where unaware of my case.
The appointment took place in a dissused youth centre where there was a tiny sticker on the front door showing their presents in the building.
The address was presented to me differently in three separate emails none of which where recognised by Google maps.
Although only one address was written correctly. (Tip) Pin your location on maps.
I have been referred to seetec as in the previous year I lost my job,house and car due to ill health and now suffer with my mental health.

Trying Moving on in my life I have been trying to set up my own business in a less physically demanding trade. so I decided to become a maintenance/handyman therefore being able to choose my work to my capabilities .
I initially spoke to a chap called Ibrahim at seetec . He told me he could help me with some new screwdrivers and took details from me to then ask his boss .
He came back to me a while later disputing my position as self employed "so i can't help I need proof" so I got in touch with HMRC and the jobcentre eventually sent Ibrahim my UTR .
I thought nothing of this and concentrated on finding work and assumed it as a waste of my time as our communications ceased completely.

During this process I reported back to the jobcentre work coach and carried on as instructed.

Three months passed and I was thinking I could drum up some new business with flyers and magnetic signs for my van so I approached my jobcentre work coach again.
He told me I was still under restart seetec and to contact them . Yet again no answer to emails so I phoned their head office .
I asked at this point for a new appointment with a different representative.
Still nothing I now assume that they are never going to help me .
To the extent I'm now looking for PAYE work as my new career isn't really taking off.
Bringing us back to today my first face to face meeting with seetec restart went as follows :-

On entering my meeting with Ibrahim's boss lisa . I was met by a hostile reception exclaiming that I hadn't turned up to any of my meetings. I informed her id spoken with her colleague six months prior to today and despite trying I had been ignored and First I have to be invited before I am able to attend. She then said " I'll get ibz" he came from another office. She said "we'll see if you had appointments " .
I reiterated that I had not received any correspondence by email or phone and it's a running joke with my work coach how long I have been trying to get help from them .
I was then told they wanted to check my phone against ibz's to see evidence I couldn't believe how I was treated within a couple of minutes of my arrival. I told Lisa that I had made note of my times on my JC journal. She said ." It's just tit for tat and they can't look at that because of data protection.
basically my word meant nothing and I felt extremely anxious. I was then asked a series of personal questions about drugs ,alcohol , my support network and then told If you don't turn up to the mandated meetings you'll be sanctioned . She said "Your appointments will be Every week until I'm happy". The scenario was Just like police probation session .

I'm a 51 year old man who has worked hard every day I possibly could . I have fell on hard times but I'm still fighting to support my family. These people are cold and condescending and cause anxiety and depression . I do not want to deal with them ever again. Fortunately I have found PAYE work.

BEWARE

Terrible place to go. Never been helpful to me in the whole year I had to waste going there. My sessions weren't tailored to me. Just the same generic rubbish you'd say to everyone. My experience is completely different to someone who's younger and only had limited experience, so just terrible. Very patronising and condescending. I was constantly threatened with being sanctioned for going to job interviews and at one point when I was working. Expected me to go to job club to apply for jobs whilst I was at work. So I was supposed to cancel my shift to go and look for jobs? How does that make sense? Made my anxiety worse and caused more struggles and suicidal thoughts. I honestly can't say anything positive about it. Just glad you only have to do it once. Would not recommend to anyone. They need to be more understanding and more helpful. I'd be very surprised if anyone got anything out of going there.

My work coach (Eileen)is the most helpful person I have had the pleasure to have met.she is kind, understanding and is full of very good advice, which has been invaluable to me

I honestly can’t thank Amber and the team at Seetec Torquay enough for all the incredible support I received during my job search. I was referred by the Job Centre after qualifying as a student nurse, and from day one Amber went above and beyond to help me navigate what felt like an impossible 6 months, trying to gain employment in a area I was qualified for but there being so much competition as well as a 'New registrant hiring embargo'.

She supported me through everything. From arranging for experienced team members to prep me for the panel-style NHS interviews, to also helping with the financial payment of my NMC pin, which made a massive difference when you leave university with absolutely no spare money at all.

When I ran into a serious problem with Universal Credit, Amber really went out of her way to help me get it sorted, during that time I was so scared about even being able to put food on the table for my 4 children, and she advocated for me and made every effort to sort the situation as professionally and quickly as possible.

Her dedication, empathy, and encouragement kept me going on the hardest days, especially after so many knock backs after attending multiple interviews. Amber is truly brilliant and absolute credit to Seetec and the kind of person who actually does change peoples lives through her work.

I have now finally secured a position in nursing and I am so grateful for the support and guidance of Seetec and the whole team who work there. Every member of staff has treated me with such respect and dignity, as well as being so kind and friendly.

If you’re in Torquay and need career guidance or job support, I can’t recommend Seetec highly enough.

I want to share my massive appreciation for Carlton. After surviving a very dark period involving domestic abuse which left me physically, mentally, and financially drained I found it incredibly hard to even imagine a normal routine. I had completely locked myself away my trust was shattered, my relationships were broken, and I was consumed by depression and anxiety.

I started seeing Carlton from the health and wellbeing team to build my confidence back up so I could hopefully return to work and daily life. What makes Carlton stand out is how he navigated those walls I’d built around myself. He balances being serious about my progress with a great sense of humour our laughs and jokes made me feel instantly relaxed, helping me slowly learn to trust another person again. Those lighthearted moments were the first steps in opening my mind to the positives after so much darkness.

He’s supported me through the good weeks and the down days, always knowing how to put a smile on my face when the anxiety feels heavy. He has helped me realise that I am doing well, even when I can’t see it myself. While I am still healing, I am finally feeling a glimmer of my old self and starting to see my own worth through the eyes of those supporting me. This support has meant so much more to me than words can say.

Carlton is so helpful and genuine, and is always trying to seek the best outcome for you. I started my journey with Carlton anxious and afraid, within a small period of time, I was over this. Carlton helped me rectify my mentality and helped me get a stronger mindset. Carlton had a positive impact on my life and I strongly recommend to others.

did nothing for me. I was just offered really poor and unreliable agency work. They wouldnt even pay my travel to an interview and despite saying how they would help get me a suit for the interview, it became a real problem, they managed to find £50 from petty cash in the end which didnt go far obviously. I have now found a good job without any help from seetec. I dont think the government should be paying millions to this organisation.

Carlton is the best!

I initially went to see him for help with a sleep problem, thinking there wasn’t anything in particular causing me stress. We started by looking at my sleeping habits and simple activities I could do before bed, such as writing down my thoughts.

Although I came in for sleep support, Carlton recognised that something deeper was affecting me. Through our conversations, it became clear that grief was the underlying issue. My granddad recently passed away, and he was someone I deeply looked up to. I thought I had accepted his death, but Carlton helped me realise that some of my habits and struggles were connected to that loss. He guided me through ways to cope during this difficult time, including staying active and writing a letter to my granddad.

We also explored patterns of self-sabotage. After recently graduating in Fine Art, I had been feeling stuck and uncertain about my career. Carlton helped me understand these patterns and how my granddad’s passing has impacted my motivation, especially as we shared a love for painting. He helped me reconnect with that part of myself and begin to move forward.

Speaking to Carlton was the best thing I’ve done for myself. He supported me and listened to what I have to say, and gave me a reality check when I needed one. Even after our set appointments, he still reaches out to me to see how I am.

Carlton and the health and wellbeing team are amazing they have helped me so much with my journey of coming out as trans and finding myself and becoming my true confident self. Carlton is amazing can't give him enough praise.

Carlton from the well-being team is always a pleasure to talk to no matter the topic of conversation. He has helped me tremendously with my confidence as I was able to open up about my feelings as I felt very comfortable talking with him.

Amber & her team provide excellent service & beyond , make me feel at ease & always has a smile which goes a long way
Thank you for helping me when needed

If like me you’re an anxious person and don’t like new things going to places like Seetec can be daunting. Take it from me you don’t have to worry everyone there is so friendly and make you feel at ease from singing in at reception to your appointment with your advisor. I personally had Amber as my advisor, she is the friendliest person I’ve met down there. I have had a few personal battles and Amber always makes me feel at ease no judgement always there to help even just to talk to when I have had a bad day. Amber is a real asset to Seetec. Thank you Amber

Carlton was an amazing counsellor in the time I had with him, he helped me out of my darkest moments

Working with the health and well-being department has helped me tremendously at getting myself back on track with managing some of my anxiety and depression difficulties.

Erika has been nothing short of amazing to me and incredibly patient and understanding. She explained questions to me where I struggled to understand the wordings alongside listening clearly to me and remembering details, making me feel understood and heard. Her advice proved truly helpful at reminding me of how to handle my feelings, covering all the basics that we all sometimes forget.

All being said, Thank you to Erika and the wellbeing team!!!

Thank you Carlton, before I got put onto course I was lost and just didn’t know what to do with myself, but after meeting Carlton I’ve got a better mindset about things, he just gave little nudges here and there and they helped me re evaluate myself to the point that I’ve got a solid goal for the future.

Thank you so much again Carlton for helping me.

From Marcus

My experience on the restart scheme was not a good one. The only job they ever found me was a rubbish agency one with hardly any shifts. They seemed to think they had worked wonders for me. And when i needed help for clothing for an interview it became a big deal. £50 out of petty cash to buy a suit. The government is giving this organisation tens of million pounds a year. And for what?

First of all, I want to thank Amber. She helped me find a job. She also helped me find the courses. She was very polite and always available to talk to me on the phone.

From November 2025 - February 2026, I was supported by Amber Devenish and Jade Brown at the Torbay branch.

They were always personable, polite, professional, and also efficient with technology to streamline our meetings.

Amber and the team had a broad set of skills to offer. In particular during my time with them, we worked to improve my business marketing and they helped enhance my access to schemes, funding and training prospects. These have had a significantly positive effect on the outlook of my range of clients and income streams.

H.A. (Healthcare Business, sole trader)

Since going to Seetec for appointments, Amber has been awesome with helping me sort my CV out,approach employers and help my general well being to focus on finding work