After losing her job in June 2025, Ireti spent months applying for roles without success. Despite having extensive experience in food safety, quality assurance and compliance, she found it difficult to secure employment.
“I applied for so many jobs but I was not being successful.I was very disappointed and hopeless.” said Ireti.
Ireti faced a number of barriers during her job search, including challenges around travel and how her experience was perceived by employers.
“First, my age was my biggest challenge, and where I live was another, travelling wasn’t easy for me as I don’t drive, so relying on public transport while searching for work was extremely difficult.”
She also found it difficult to communicate her experience in a way that resonated with employers.
“Sometimes, I wasn’t able to present myself in the way they expected, and I struggled to convince them that I would be good at the job until I came across Belina Grow.”
Finding Grow
Ireti first came across the Grow Team at a job fair at Uxbridge College. “They told me about the Job Brokerage project, and I thought it wasn’t for me. I told them, ‘I need a job, I’m so hopeless. Look at my age, nobody wants to employ me. But the way the team spoke to me made me think, ‘OK, if someone who doesn’t know me can see potential in me, maybe I should give myself another chance.’”
Building Skills and Confidence
Through Grow, Ireti accessed a range of support including CV workshops, interview masterclasses, mock interviews and application support.
“I received detailed feedback on my CV and used it to improve my application materials. I also had the opportunity to do a mock interview, which helped me a great deal. I kept all the feedback I received and have been using it to prepare for real interviews.
“I attended a session on how to fill out application forms, I didn’t know how to do it properly before. After the session, I realised how much I’d been doing wrong.”
She also developed key techniques such as using the STAR method and tailoring applications to job descriptions.
“The mock interview was especially valuable because it gave me real practice and feedback.”
A Shift in Mindset
Alongside practical skills, Ireti describes a significant shift in her confidence and mindset.
“My confidence has grown significantly… Now, when I go into an interview, I feel calm, prepared, and ready, not fearful or overwhelmed.”
Being part of a supportive environment also played an important role.
“Knowing I had guidance and being part of the group chat with others on the same journey made me feel less alone and more supported.”
Securing a New Role
Following this support, Ireti secured a full-time position.
“It is a full-time position as a QA/QC Technician with Borough Broth Company, a food processing company in Greenford.”
She credits the support she received as a key factor in her success.
“Without that support, I wouldn’t have known how to present my transferable skills effectively, and I likely wouldn’t have succeeded.”
Ireti is now focused on building stability and progressing in her new role. “I feel very positive about my future career prospects.”
Beyond employment, the impact has been wider.
“Now I wake up in the morning with somewhere to go, something meaningful to do, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to society.”