GRoW Support Tanuja on Her Journey to Employment

Posted on by heathercette

At GRoW, we are dedicated to helping people gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to find sustainable work. Tanuja’s story is a great example of how the GRoW Programme’s workshops, training, and one-to-one support can make a real difference.

Tanuja said “I recently started a job working in a café, making coffee and sandwiches. I enjoy this work because I have done it before, and it feels good to use my skills again.

I learned about GRoW when I was searching for jobs online. A friend suggested that I join the GRoW programme because I was always looking for work but not having much success. I joined the workshops and met Karen, who helped me a lot.

Karen showed me how to make a professional CV. Before this, I was applying for many jobs but getting no replies. I did not understand why. Karen helped me highlight my skills and write my CV properly. After that, I started getting interview offers, which made me feel much better.

I also attended interview workshops with GRoW. Karen practiced interview questions with me and gave me tips on how to answer. This helped me a lot when I went for my interview at the café. My manager asked me if I could make a coffee, and I felt confident enough to say yes and show my skills.

GRoW also helped me to improve my skills by enabling me to do a Level 1 Customer Service training course with Get Set UK. This course was very helpful and it will help me in my job and also for any job in the future I apply for. I am waiting to receive my certificate so I can add it to my CV.

Whilst I am enjoying my job I do need to increase my hours so I am keen to find additional or alternative work in a customer service type role ideally, maybe closer to home. I am much more confident now since going through the GRoW Programme and want to say a big thank you to GRoW, Karen, and everyone who helped me. I am very grateful for their support.

 

GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities

Posted on by heathercette

The recent Jobs Fairs in Uxbridge and Kingston were a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to meet employers, make new connections, and explore job options. GRow’s Liz and Iryna attended the Kingston Jobs Fair and Sheeja attended the Uxbridge College Jobs Fair at Hayes Campus alongside members of the GRoW community, who were there to connect with potential employers and find out what opportunities there are in the local and national jobs market.

Job fairs provide an excellent platform for networking, learning about different industries, and discovering job openings that may not be widely advertised. For many job seekers, the chance to speak directly with recruiters and hiring managers helps to break down barriers to employment and gives them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for.

Sheeja shared her thoughts on the experience, highlighting the positive impact of attending in person. “It’s a great place to be, you can meet so many employers all at once and learn about support organisations, volunteering opportunities, and other roles that might not be immediately obvious.”

She also emphasised the variety of opportunities available. “Even if you see a construction company hiring, they may also have admin jobs. So it’s always good to talk to people and see if they have any other opportunities.”

For members of the GRoW community, events like this can boost confidence and motivation. Many participants are returning to work after a break or looking to change careers, and speaking with employers in a supportive environment can make a big difference. Sheeja said “We met some women who hadn’t been to a jobs fair before, and they found it really useful. They were handing over their CVs, filling in forms, and getting immediate feedback, which was really valuable.”

This year’s fair at Uxbridge College – Hayes Campus, saw a significant number of attendees, with more mothers in attendance compared to previous years. “Compared to last time, I think we had more people coming in, and we saw more mothers looking for work, which was great. There were police, the Navy, and colleges there too, so it wasn’t just local employers, but a mix of different organisations.”

Beyond the job opportunities, the fair also provided information on training programmes, career support services, and apprenticeships, providing a better understanding of the next steps people can take in their journey to employment.

If you hear about a job fair in your local area, we highly recommend attending. Sheeja said “If you hear about a job fair in your local area, you really should go because they are a great opportunity to network, connect with new people, and explore different career options.”

Kingston GRoW App Ambassador Zineb Builds Her Confidence

Posted on by heathercette

Zineb has been part of the GRoW Community since last year and recently became a GRoW App Ambassador. As a mother of four, Zineb was looking for support to start her journey to work in the UK and found a passion for working with children.

Zineb said “I first heard about GRoW last year when I was at my local Children’s Centre and I was given a leaflet that told me all about how GRoW supports mums to get ready for work. At that time, I was thinking about getting back to work but didn’t know where to start. I have always loved working with children, but I’ve not worked in the UK before and I wasn’t sure how to begin.

In the past, I did an NVQ Level 2 in childcare and worked in a nursery for work experience in 2017 and 2018. I’ve always enjoyed being around children, and I often help my friends by looking after theirs. Being a mother myself, I feel happy in that environment, so I knew I wanted my career to be in childcare. But I didn’t know how to move forward.

Joining GRoW has been really helpful. The programme has given me confidence, which I had lost after being at home with my children and not being out in the world. Through GRoW, I have learned how to update my CV and prepare for job applications. I have also attended online sessions where I could look at jobs in my area. I have also completed courses in hospitality and catering to build my skills. Now, I am waiting to start a ‘Preparing to Work in Schools’ course, which will help me take the next step towards my goal.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to become a GRoW App Ambassador. I volunteered for this role because I wanted to help other women like me who are trying to get back into work. I had never done anything like this before, but I found it interesting and useful. Even though I am not very active on social media generally, I enjoy using the GRoW app. I find it such a useful resource from a user’s point of view. I check it every day for job updates, skills workshops, and positive messages from the GRoW team which I really like and find motivating.

As an ambassador, I post job opportunities, community events, and activities for women and children. I also keep an eye on what’s happening in other areas, like Croydon and Hillingdon, even though I am based in Kingston. It helps me see what support or activities are happening in different places in London and what I can make use of. When I post something, I get good responses from other women in my area who find the information useful, and I had really good engagement at Christmas with lots of different activities I was posting.

Right now, I am focusing on building my skills so I am ready when the right opportunity comes. I have started going on school trips with my children’s school, which I never did before. It has been a great experience and has given me even more confidence.

I have always been good at languages—I speak French, Moroccan Arabic, and some Spanish. In the past, I have helped friends by translating, and I have a degree in Business Management. But now, I know that working with children is what makes me happy. GRoW has helped me take the right steps toward this goal, and I am excited about what’s ahead.

GRoW App Ambassador Dhanya is Making a Difference

Posted on by heathercette

At GRoW, we are fortunate to have incredible App Ambassadors who contribute to our community in meaningful ways. One of them is Dhanya, who joined GRoW in December 2024. Originally from India, Dhanya has been living in the UK for nearly three years and is actively working towards building a new career while supporting others through her role as a GRoW App Ambassador.

Dhanya said “When I first joined GRoW, my main goal was to find a job and meet new people, especially people from different backgrounds and to be one among them to support each other. Before, my social circle was mostly people from India, but now I have had the chance to connect with people from different parts of the world both online and in person. That has been a great experience and also being part of the GRoW community and meeting the team members such as Liz and Laura who are so supportive.

I became a GRoW App Ambassador because I wanted to learn more about all the activities happening at GRoW but also I wanted to know what was happening in my community in Croydon. Before, I only looked for events related to my interests, but now, I explore all opportunities so that I can share them with others. I post in the group to help people find useful opportunities.

Some of the things I have shared include a a pizza-making workshop to explore kids’ culinary skills, an embroidery workshop using repurposed materials, and an opportunity to meet an author, Mr Bhishma Asare, to talk about his new book. I also shared information about a webinar for parents and carers on how to support young kids and an opportunity to volunteer as an NHS care community responder.

I focus mainly on opportunities for women and kids in Croydon. This is my first time doing something like this. I volunteered to be an ambassador, and I enjoy it. It has helped me learn about what is happening in my community, share useful information, and connect with more people.

Before coming to the UK, I worked as a design engineer in India. But now, I want to shift my career path completely. I am interested in working in services, maybe in the NHS or teaching. For my own job search, I have applied for many teaching assistant jobs. However, since I do not have a UK qualification, I need to complete training first. I have registered for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course, but I need to complete three years of UK residency before I can start. By March, I will be eligible, and I plan to begin the training then.

Being a GRoW App Ambassador is something I can add to my CV. It shows my involvement in the community and my ability to share information. More than that, it has helped me build confidence and gain knowledge about different opportunities around me.

I am very grateful to everyone at GRoW. Liz, Laura, and the whole team have been supportive and friendly. It is a great community to be a part of, and I am excited to continue my journey here.

Oksana Embraces AI to Build a New Career

Posted on by heathercette

Oksana attended a recent GRoW event on ChatGPT where we spoke to her about how she had been using the revolutionary AI program to help support her on her journey to employment. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine nearly three years ago, Oksana has worked hard to improve her English and adapt her skills to the job market. By utilising ChatGPT to help her in her job search, Oksana has been able to explore new ways of tailoring her applications and building her confidence.

Oksana said “When I came to the UK, I didn’t know where to start. Back in Ukraine, I worked as a German teacher, but finding work here felt a bit overwhelming. Then, I discovered GRoW and started attending their workshops. They introduced me to tools like ChatGPT, which has made a big difference in how I approach job applications.

Before ChatGPT, writing a CV and cover letters was a long and difficult process. Now, I can input my skills and experience, and the program helps me tailor my applications for specific jobs. For example, when applying for teaching assistant or nursery roles, I highlight my experience working with children. ChatGPT makes it so much easier to adjust my CV and cover letters to match the requirements of each job.

I’ve also used ChatGPT to help with creative projects. My husband is a photographer and videographer, and he asks me to write posts for his work. I use ChatGPT to create meaningful captions and messages for his photos and videos, which saves me a lot of time.

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is how to use ChatGPT to quickly adapt cover letters for different roles. After working with Karen from GRoW, I realised the importance of tailoring applications to each job. Karen spent time reviewing my CV, and with ChatGPT’s help, I made it much stronger. Now, I feel more confident when I send it out.

I’ve been applying for jobs almost daily. Whenever I find a role that interests me, I use ChatGPT to create a personalised application. It saves me hours of work and ensures my applications stand out. I’ve already applied for several teaching assistant roles and feel like I’m getting closer to finding the right opportunity.

Since joining GRoW, I’ve learned so much, not just about job applications but also about myself. The support from the community and the use of AI tools have helped me feel more capable and hopeful about my future. I’m excited to continue this journey and see what opportunities come next.”

Sara GRoWs her confidence and looks to the future

Posted on by heathercette

Sara came to the GRoW Programme looking for support in getting back to work. She has actively participated in various GRoW programmes, both in-person and online, undertaken training and recently secured a job as a carer. Sara found the impact of having a strong support network in GRoW as a huge boost to her confidence and motivation.

Sara said “I first came across GRoW through my daughter’s school. They were advertising a GRoW bootcamp at the school for parents who wanted help with learning English or finding work. At the time, I was struggling to find a job and didn’t know where to go or what to do, so I thought, “Why not?” That’s how it all started for me.

When I joined GRoW, I was looking for work and trying to figure out what I needed to do to get there. I also had some challenges because I am hearing-impaired and unsure if that would make finding a job even harder. GRoW helped me a lot. I did a course on mental health and another one on working with children and young people. Both were online, but they gave me so much confidence. Being in a group where everyone was in the same situation, struggling with English as a second language, made me feel comfortable. We were all learning together, and it gave me the courage to speak up and use my English more.

I’ve been out of work for a long time. The last time I worked was about 10 years ago, helping my husband with his business. Since then, I focused on raising my children and did some volunteering to gain experience. Now, my youngest child is older and more independent, so it’s easier for me to work.

Even though my goal was to work with children or in schools, I’ve taken a job as a carer for now. It’s not my dream job, but it’s a good starting point to gain work experience and build my skills. I’ve already learned a lot through the training, like safeguarding and understanding medication needs.

GRoW has been a huge support for me. They check in regularly, tell me about new courses, and encourage me to keep going. I remember one time I wasn’t planning to do a course, but someone from GRoW called and explained why it would be helpful. I’m so glad I did it. They’ve always been there to guide me, and their encouragement has made all the difference.

For me, the biggest thing GRoW has given me is confidence. As a woman and a mother, it’s easy to lose confidence, even if you have experience or skills. GRoW helped me believe in myself again, and that’s what’s allowed me to take these steps towards finding a job.

My dream is still to work with children or in mental health, and I’m open to doing more courses if I need to. For now, I’ll focus on doing my best in my new role as a carer and continue building my experience. I’ll also stay connected with GRoW because their support has been invaluable, and I know they’ll help me reach my goals.

To anyone out there who feels stuck or unsure about how to move forward, I’d say: just start. It’s not easy, but with the right support and a little confidence, you can do it. GRoW has shown me that we’re all capable of achieving more than we think.”

 

Madiha Finds New Confidence and Opportunities

Posted on by heathercette

Madiha has been part of the GRoW community for over a year. She is a very active member who has worked hard to upskill herself and move closer to finding work. Recently, she was referred to Smart Works for a career consultation, which made her feel very confident and positive about her future. Madiha also volunteers as a parent champion with the Hillingdon Coram Family Information Service, helping other mums in her community.

Madiha said “I first heard about GRoW last year through a newsletter from my children’s school. I had been a full-time mum for 11 years, looking after my three daughters, and I felt like I wasn’t doing anything for myself. When I saw the GRoW advert, it said I could learn new skills, meet other mums, and prepare for finding a job in the future. I thought, “I should join this because it will help me.”

I went to three GRoW sessions, and they really inspired me. The group is very supportive, and it helps mums like me who have been at home for a long time. I met other women who understood what I was going through, and I started to believe in myself again. Liz and the team kept saying, “We have to do something for ourselves and our children,” and those words stayed with me.

Since joining GRoW, I have done a lot of courses to improve myself. I completed a Level 1 Teaching Assistant course and am now working on Level 2, which I will finish next month. I also did courses in budgeting, customer service, and mental health for children and young people. I have also done e-learning courses as part of my parent champion work with Coram. All of this has helped me feel more confident and ready to move forward.

My volunteering role at Coram Family Information Service is giving me the opportunity to help other mums. I help talk to them about their problems and signpost them to the right services if they need help with things such as their children’s education, health, or anything else. It’s good to know I can support them because they trust me, and it feels very rewarding to give back to my community.

One of the best things I have done through GRoW is the Smart Works consultation. GRoW shared the opportunity in a session, and I immediately said I was interested. Smart Works offered me career coaching, and it was a great experience. They showed me how to prepare for job interviews and gave me advice to improve my confidence.

After the session, I felt really positive. Knowing I can contact them again for help with my CV or interviews has made me feel even more ready to start working.

I have already applied to volunteer at my children’s school and registered with recruitment agencies. I have a degree in Business and Marketing and thought I would work in that field but I am thinking now that I would like to become a teaching assistant because I really enjoy working with children. Back in Pakistan, I taught children for over 10 years as a Tutor, and I want to use that experience here.

Joining GRoW has changed me completely. I feel more confident in how I talk, how I handle things at home, and how I support my children. I’ve also learned that life is about continuous learning. Whether it’s through volunteering, studying, or helping others, there is always something new to learn.

I’m so thankful for GRoW. It has helped me see what I can do and made me believe in myself again. I still have a lot to do, but I feel ready for the future, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

 

Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

Vidya moved to the UK from India in July 2024 with her husband and two children. She previously worked as a hospitality manager and is keen to find similar work in the UK. Vidya has found support and guidance through GRoW and has attended the GRoW Bootcamp and undertaken a customer service course to help her achieve her goal. Vidya is now working as as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS as well as searching for part time and full time work.

Vidya said “I first heard about GRoW when I went to a jobs fair in Feltham. I was searching for job opportunities online and found out about the event. At the jobs fair, I met Saeema and the GRoW team. They told me about the GRoW Bootcamp and the other support they could give me. I decided to join because I wanted to find work and learn more.

Before coming to the UK I used to work as a hospitality Manager for a corporate serviced apartment. When I moved here, I started searching for jobs, but it was hard because I didn’t know where to begin. I was originally interested in part time work but since going to the job fair I realised that availability of full time opportunities are more than part time jobs, and decided to apply for full time work.

Being part of GRoW and taking part in the Bootcamp was very good. I learned so many things, like where to find jobs in my area and how to feel more confident when applying for them. The team was very kind and helped me a lot. They made me feel like I could do this. There were lots of activities, and they gave me the push I needed to start applying for jobs.

GRoW also helped me with my CV. Karen ran an online session where she explained everything about writing a good CV, and Saeema helped me put it all together. Now, I have a CV that I can use to apply for jobs.

I also completed a customer service course. It was about hospitality and catering services, and I learned a lot that will help me in my next job. This course gave me more confidence and refreshed my knowledge about the industry.

The GRoW team is not just a community; they feel like family to me. They take care of me and make me feel supported. Every day, I am applying for jobs, and even though I haven’t found one yet, I feel positive. I know I will get there because of the confidence and support GRoW has given me. I have started volunteering work in December as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS which is helping me to gain some work experience and a boost for my CV.

Thank you to everyone at GRoW for all your help. I hope to find a full-time job soon, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”

 

Kaliki GRoWs her confidence and motivation while gaining new skills and experience

Posted on by heathercette

Kaliki moved to the UK from India two years ago and settled in Hounslow with her family. She had never worked before, but is determined to find a way to build her skills and experience and find a job. When she heard about the GRoW Programme at a local job fair, she decided to join, and it has been a very positive experience. Through GRoW, Kaliki has received support in preparing for work, building confidence, and developing the skills she needs to thrive in the UK job market.

Kaliki said “When I first came to the UK, I had no work experience. I was a housewife and mother and didn’t know how to even start looking for a job. I heard about GRoW at a jobs fair, and it sounded like something I needed. When I joined, the team helped me learn so much—how to write a CV, how to prepare for interviews, and how to find job opportunities. They gave me motivation and guidance, which I really needed.

I’m very happy to be a GRoW App ambassador. It’s helped me learn new things. I post on the app at least twice a week, sharing motivation or important updates for people in my area. It feels good to help others while I’m learning too.

I am currently doing an ESOL course to improve my English and I’m also doing AAT Level 1 for accounting. It’s a bit hard to manage studying and being a mum, but I feel proud. My exams are coming up in January, and I’m excited to see how I do.

I also attended GRoW Bootcamps—one in person and one online. These were so useful because they helped me focus on what I want and how to plan for it. Before, I didn’t know how to organise myself, but now I feel more confident.

I’m looking for a job, and I’m open to either part-time or full-time work. I’d love to work in customer service or accounting. GRoW has shown me that I can achieve these goals. I even hope that one day I might work for GRoW—not just as a volunteer but as an employee.

GRoW has given me clarity and motivation. I now feel ready to take on challenges and build a future for myself and my family. I’m very thankful for all the support and opportunities I’ve had.”

 

Sravani Looks To Reignite Her Career in IT

Posted on by heathercette

Sravani moved to the UK from India a year ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in IT as an analyst and a desire to re-establish her career in the sector. After joining the GRoW Programme a month ago she found motivation with the GRoW Bootcamp and is now actively pursuing opportunities in software testing while balancing her role as a mother to her four-year-old daughter.

Sravani said “When I first came across the GRoW Programme through a leaflet, I thought, ‘Why not give this a try?’ At that point, I was looking at returning to work in IT-related roles, specifically in software testing, and the idea of having support and guidance felt promising. I visited the GRoW office, and from the moment I registered, I felt a sense of trust in the team. Everyone was so approachable and helpful; I knew I was in the right place.

One of the first things I did was attend the in-person bootcamp. That experience was really important for me. I felt really motivated and it helped me reflect on where I was and where I wanted to go. Having been out of work for a while due to taking a career break to care for my daughter, I felt like my confidence had dipped. But the bootcamp activities, such as planning your day and identifying your strengths, really boosted my confidence and gave me clarity.

The bootcamp also gave me the tools to talk about my skills and experiences. It taught me how to present myself confidently during interviews and discussions, which is something I hadn’t done in years. Now, I’m attending GRoW’s online sessions, and they continue to provide me with encouragement. However, I must say, I’d love to participate in another in-person bootcamp. That personal interaction and focused time were so impactful for me.

Before coming to the UK, I worked in India as an Associate Analyst and later as a Senior Analyst at a company called Global Logic. My role was non-technical, but over the years, I developed an interest in working in a technical domain. I even completed a course in software testing to enhance my skills. This is now what I want to do in the UK. GRoW has helped me update my CV and prepare for this goal. I haven’t faced an interview in the UK yet, but I feel more prepared for when that time comes.
The support I’ve received has been so valuable to me. I’m searching for jobs on platforms like Linkedin, Indeed, CV Library and Indeed and I’m grateful for the motivation and direction they’ve given me, and I’m excited about what’s next. I’m hopeful that with GRoW’s continued support, I’ll soon find the IT role I’m working towards.”