Moving on from ESOL to employment

Denise and her family moved to the UK in August 2022.  At first her priority was to take care of her family and make sure her children were happy and well adapted to their new home.

In September 2023 Denise started an ESOL course with Bristol Community Learning it was at the class that she was introduced to the Inclusive Careers Pathways project and her navigator.

Feeling like it was time to get into the job market Denise started working with a navigator.

“The biggest particular barrier to joining the program was that I wasn’t feeling very comfortable or confident in choosing what would be best for me within my routine.  My navigator was fundamental in directing me to the best work option that fits perfectly into my routine as a mother.”

The navigator worked with Denise over three months to work our what sort of role would fit with Denise’s family commitments.

“My navigator did an amazing job.  First of all, she understood my needs.  She has always been so kind and human.  I felt confident and fully supported by her. She has shown me my relevant experiences and has been mentoring me with great advice and resources. We worked by phone calls and face to face meetings. She was really organised and understandable, summarising our actions and plans to develop myself for the next steps. 

She has helped me prepare myself for an interview for the role of School Meals Assistant Supervisor. The result is that after 13 years I was successful in my first interview.  

I believe she showed me the perfect job for this moment in life. I have two school age boys and I feel really comfortable being able to work and be present for them.

I am feeling confident and very excited for the future. I will do my best to develop my career in education.

For me the program was more than just searching for and finding a job opportunity.  It helped me look at my knowledge and skills and how to apply that to the job I wanted. As well as helping increase my confidence and ability.”