Although she was already in employment, Hasina was looking for a change. In need of something positive to do and focus on while preparing for a new line of work, Hasina decided to join our programmes after some encouragement from her Work Coach. Going on from the training to gain an administrative role at Wolverhampton College, we are very proud of Hasina’s progress and wish her all the best! Read on below to hear more of what she has to say!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I have held various types of jobs previously including with Wolverhampton Homes, The Village Hotel, Mitchells and Butlers Crown Carvery, and working in care, but my first employment in education was with Juniper Training helping young people with barriers to access study programmes and prepare for the transition to further study or work. I worked for Skills Training UK as a Learner Recruitment Officer, which was a business development role, helping people to access vocational training, and then as a Project Officer for Steps to Work for three years, supporting people into work. No customer was the same, and I experienced working with people with a wide range of barriers including those with complex needs and a distance from the labour market. I enjoyed seeing their progress and development. I have also worked for the Shaw Trust as a Support Manager, working with people with health barriers, helping them to gain employment. My most recent employment was as a Skills Broker with the LEP at Greater Birmingham and Solihull Chambers, which included advising people and supporting small businesses.

How did you find out about the training?
I had always been in employment, but I was looking for a change. My Work Coach at Chapel Court Jobcentre encouraged me to consider taking the course and that’s what I did!

Why did you decide to join?
I needed to engage with training to help give me some focus and do something positive with the time I had to prepare for work again, upskill and refresh my skills and knowledge.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I loved it! This was my first time learning remotely. The training was well structured, and everyone worked together well. We were all there for different reasons and it was interesting to share this. Everyone was there to learn and develop, but it was also fun. I learned so much I didn’t know such as GDPR, Prevent and wellbeing. I enjoyed hearing from the guest speaker, Mo, about working in the sector. The tutors were so supportive and I received focussed guidance as to the application process for the sector which made me be concise, precise, and answer the questions directly. It helped me with applications for a range of roles.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had some issues with health barriers, and debts which I needed to deal with. I had also recently moved house and also had some issues with my internet provider to resolve so I could participate remotely.

What are you doing now?
I have been employed as a Student Hub Adviser at Wolverhampton College. It’s an administrative based role, working across two campuses supporting learners with any enquiries they have such as course information, funding, travel, enrolment, things they might be eligible for, and to make sure they have as full an experience as possible at College.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The impact of the training has been outstanding. It’s helped greatly with my confidence and made me want to continue learning. I think the courses could also encourage others to learn and show them it’s not that scary! I appreciated the support given after the course to help with my progression towards employment. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

What are your plans for the future?
My main focus is my new job. Longer term, Higher Education or an apprenticeship further down the line might well be an option for me. I’m drawn towards healthcare, mental health, helping people and supporting people. Life can be complex, and I like to help people if I can.#

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Just do it! Don’t hesitate and speak to your Work Coach. My experience from the start was warm and welcoming from the Release Potential team. The staff are really supportive, and their attention to the small things, such as helping me to be comfortable with Zoom before the course started, ended up being the big things that made me think the course was right for me.