Vikoriia’s Seeks a Construction Apprenticeship

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Vikoriia is an experienced construction professional from Ukraine, now living in the UK and seeking an apprenticeship in the construction industry. Having worked as a foreman for five years, she’s eager to get back into the field in roles such as estimator, site manager, or assistant site manager. Vikoriia joined the Kingston GRoW Program who are providing a variety of support to help her on her journey.

However, with the UK’s different systems and processes, she feels that starting with an apprenticeship will help her adapt and grow in her new environment. Here, Vikoriia shares her story, her challenges, and her hopes for the future.

Vikoriia said “I’m currently on a journey to find an apprenticeship on a construction site here in the UK. I’d like a job such as an estimator, site manager, or assistant site manager—positions I’ve held before in my previous career in Ukraine. I’m eager to get back into the field, but with the UK’s different system, I believe an apprenticeship is the best starting point for me.

Before moving to the UK, I worked for five years as a foreman in Ukraine, where I was responsible for finishing work such as laying floors, painting walls, and completing ceilings. It was a job I loved, and I took great pride in the work I delivered.

Since arriving in the UK two and a half years ago, after the invasion of Ukraine, I’ve found work in different sectors and currently work as a chef in a restaurant.

I’ve been working hard to prepare for a career shift back into construction. I recently completed a series of courses, including CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), Triple STS (Site Supervision Safety Training), and First Aid. With all the necessary certificates in hand, I’m now ready to start working on a construction site. Yet, as much as I’m ready, I know I still need to adapt to the UK’s way of doing things, which is why I feel an apprenticeship is the right next step.

I’ve also been improving my English. When I first arrived here, I only had basic English skills from school, but I’ve been studying hard, currently attending classes at Kingston College. My English has come a long way, but there’s always room for improvement, which is another reason why starting with an apprenticeship feels like the right move.

I first came into contact with GRoW recently, through Iryna who specialises in supporting Ukrainian women like me. I’m excited to see how they can support me further. I’m interested in courses they can provide me that will help me on my journey. I also hope to get some interview practice to help me prepare for when I’m ready to step into the job market. GRoW has already been very supportive, and I look forward to what’s next.”

Introducing Karen Louth, Our New Employability Lead at Belina GRoW!

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We are thrilled to welcome Karen Louth to the Belina GRoW team as our new Employability Lead! Karen brings over 20 years of recruitment experience and 8 years of employability experience with organisations including DWP, Ingeus, PeoplePlus and TNG where she successfully supported people into work. Her wealth of knowledge of the recruitment industry and passion for helping others find meaningful employment make her a fantastic addition to the team.

Karen will be running Training Zoom sessions and one-on-one coaching to support GRoW participants on your journey to training and employment. She’ll be offering expert advice on CV preparation, interview techniques, and job searching, ensuring you feel job-ready and confident.

Join Karen for her first session this Friday at our coffee morning, where she will be sharing valuable tips and insights. It’s the perfect chance to meet her and find out how you can benefit from her extensive experience in recruitment.

Karen said:

“My passion is helping people on their journey to securing a new role. I will be there to support you every step of the way in navigating your way through the recruitment processes. I’ve been a recruiter for over 20 years and sifted through thousands of CVs – I know what a good CV looks like and if an applicant should be shortlisted for an interview! Over 8 years, I have successfully supported many women to return to work. I look forward to helping you to become job-ready and successfully secure your next role.”

With her extensive background in recruitment and employability, Karen has a track record of helping people achieve their career goals. She’s eager to apply her skills and insights to support our community of women at GRoW as this is a particular passion of hers as she acknowledges many women can be left behind in employment due to every day challenges such as parenting and childcare.

Karen will be kicking off her workshops soon, with CV sessions every Tuesday and interview technique workshops on Thursdays. Whether you need help creating, developing or polishing your CV or preparing for a big interview, Karen is here to guide you.

We’re excited for the impact Karen will make at Belina GRoW and can’t wait for you to meet her! Be sure to join the coffee morning this Friday to say hello and gain some fantastic career advice.

Introducing Iryna, Our New Employment Adviser in Kingston

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We are delighted to introduce Iryna, our new Employment Adviser, who will be working with our participants on the South London Partnership project funded by Mayor of London. Iryna will be working with women in Kingston, Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Richmond to help provide employability advice, guidance and tailored support to help more women into education and employment with a particular focus on supporting Ukrainian women. Iryna brings a unique perspective and invaluable experience to our team, having herself navigated the challenges faced by many of the women she now assists.

Iryna moved to the UK two years ago from Ukraine, following the Russian invasion. When she arrived, she faced the daunting task of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and finding employment—all while supporting her family. Despite not speaking any English initially, Iryna worked diligently to improve her language skills by attending college, engaging in ESOL courses, and practising daily. Her determination has paid off, as she now speaks English fluently and is in the process of qualifying as a solicitor in the UK, having already established a legal career as a Lawyer back in Ukraine.

Her personal experience has fuelled her passion for helping others in similar situations. Iryna has been working for the past month with our fellow Employment Adviser Valeriia and with Valeria now transitioning to a new role, Iryna has taken on the responsibility of continuing the essential work of guiding Ukrainian women through the GRoW Programme. Her fluency in Ukrainian allows her to effectively communicate with participants who may struggle with English, providing them with the understanding and support they need to understand and navigate the UK job market and educational opportunities available.

Iryna believes in the power of face-to-face interactions saying “I prefer to meet with participants over coffee, as it allows for more meaningful conversations where I can listen, provide guidance, and offer the encouragement many of these women need. Many of the women we work with at GRoW are not just seeking jobs; they are seeking someone who understands their journey and can provide clear explanations and practical advice in their native language.”

Although Iryna’s efforts are focused primarily on helping Ukrainian women, GRoW’s support is open to anyone in need. Whether it’s helping people into employment or guiding them towards further education, GRoW offers important information and clear communication. Iryna highlights the significance of peer support: “I travelled to the UK with my close friend which means I had someone to share my experiences with and we could support and encourage each other along the way. This was really important for me but not everyone has had that. This is something GRoW provides that is absolutely vital”.

With the new academic year approaching, Iryna is gearing up for a series of face-to-face events starting in September. These will provide further opportunities for Ukrainian women in Kingston to access the support they need, whether it’s through weekly Zoom meetings or in-person sessions.

For those interested in coming along to one of Iryna’s meetings in Kingston, please book through the Kingston app and look out for latest updates and event announcements on the GRoW WhatsApp group. If you have a friend who is looking to move into education or employment why not bring them along too! Many of the events are family-friendly as well so just reach out to Iryna to check when booking if you want to bring your children along.

 

Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work

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Nawal heard about GRoW through a friend who was receiving support from the programme. With no prior work experience she was initially anxious and unsure about how to get a job and the steps she needed to take to get ready. The GRoW programme provided a structured and supportive environment that helped her gain the confidence she needed to take the first steps.

Nawal said “Joining the GRoW Bootcamp was a turning point for me. It was a great programme that helped to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge we needed. I took part in various different sessions and I felt my confidence grow.

After I completed the Bootcamp I took the next step by enrolling in PET Xi courses. I completed a customer service skills course and a team leading course, both of which made me feel I was getting prepared for work. I felt supported by GRoW throughout as the team gave me lots of encouragement and guidance, especially Zoiya who was so helpful. I had a few challenges and uncertainties along the way, in fact a year ago before I came to GRoW I would never have considered doing courses or actively seeking work. The transformation in my outlook and confidence is amazing.

I have taken part in an interview with Monarch Education and now registered and was accepted so September, I will be on their work list, starting with the new academic year. I would really like to be a Teaching Assistant eventually but am looking at other schools jobs such as Exam Invigilator positions. I am really optimistic about the future and feel I am on the way to achieving my goals. Monarch Education have said they will provide me with training and I’m planning to continue with more courses through PET Xi, including a teaching assistant course. I feel really confident now and happy I took the important step of joining GRoW when I did.”

 

Nitya Starts a Volunteering Position

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Nitya moved to the UK from India in January 2020 with her husband, initially planning to stay for two years. Arriving just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nitya faced some challenges including homesickness, and adapting to a new country during lockdown. In 2022, she gave birth to her daughter and decided to focus on her child before re-entering the workforce and came to GRoW in late 2023 to support her in her journey back to work. Nitya said “I first heard about the GRoW programme while visiting the Children and Young Families Centre (CYPFC) at Highfield Library in Leicester. A staff member introduced the programme to the mothers there, explaining how GRoW could support women in getting back to work. Although I wasn’t looking for a job at that time I did leave my information and later received a message about the programme. I went along in June 2024 as I was thinking about returning to work. As soon as I started attending GRoW’s online sessions I could see the benefit. These included Friday coffee mornings and meetings with guest speakers like Jonty Rooke, which I found so inspiring. Through these sessions, I gained important information about job applications, personal statements, and CV writing. Zoiya and the team also worked on creating a CV for me. I really needed to gain work experience in the UK and so I applied to voluntary positions at Cancer Research UK and to Leicester City Council for a volunteering position at the library. I was so pleased to be accepted for the library position and have received my paperwork to complete. Working at the library will provide me with the work experience I need and I can balance my childcare with my husband. My daughter is now almost two years old and will start nursery in 2025 so I intend to work full-time then. The support from GRoW has been really helpful to me. Though I had a number of jobs in India it is not easy to work in a new country without understanding the process or having any work experience. GRoW has boosted my confidence and given me the knowledge I needed to get ready for work in the UK. I feel really focused and prepared to build my career now and look forward to starting my volunteering job at the Library.

Kaneez Fatima MIEP Wins Quality Professional Awards 2024 Rising Star Category

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Belina GRoW are proud to announce that Kaneez Fatima MIEP has won the Quality Professional Awards 2024 in the Rising Star category. Kaneez’s journey with GRoW has been extraordinary. From joining our GRoW Programme as a participant in 2020 after a decade as a stay at home mum, Kaneez has risen to the position of Head of Compliance at Belina and we are delighted that her dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence has now been recognised on a national level.

“Winning the award was a huge honour,” Kaneez said. “It made me feel proud and showed that my hard work and dedication are appreciated. My efforts have always been recognised by my organization and team, but to see them acknowledged across the entire UK sector was a moment of immense pride.”

Kaneez’s work within the GRoW Programme showcases her skills and determination. She has ensured compliance across complex projects and has implemented efficient systems that help meet and exceed project targets.

“I liked how the awards brought everyone together and recognised our efforts,” Kaneez continued. “The event itself was also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate our collective achievements.”

A key aspect of Kaneez’s approach is the ‘right first time’ principle and she stresses the importance of efficiency and accuracy in delivering quality services. “Yes, the ‘right first time’ approach is something I strive for consistently,” she said. “It’s important to ensure efficiency and accuracy in our work. In addition to ‘right first time,’ the other important words are ‘honesty’ and ‘caring.’ By maintaining high standards and genuinely understanding the needs of the people we support, we can provide more effective assistance.”

Her work significantly impacts participants, ensuring they receive accurate information and timely support. “My approach helps participants by ensuring they receive accurate information and support on time, which is necessary for securing jobs and achieving their career goals,” she added.

Colleagues have long recognised Kaneez’s contributions. One colleague noted, “Kaneez is exceptional at setting up systems and fixing problems. She’s reliable and gets things done on time, even when it’s tough. When faced with problems, she’s great at finding solutions and isn’t afraid to try new things.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kaneez remains humble and grateful for the support she has received. “Success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about the collective efforts of a team working towards a common goal. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team, and this award is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence.”

Kaneez’s award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to quality and compliance. Congratulations, Kaneez, on this outstanding achievement!

 

Nandhini Continues to Build Confidence and Upskill through GRoW

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In March, we introduced Nandhini, who moved to the UK from India in March 2023. Nandhini has been on a journey of self-improvement and skill acquisition, aiming to re-establish her career and find a job that fits around her family. Nandhini has made significant strides, continuing to build her confidence and enhance her skills through various courses and training opportunities.

Nandhini recently embarked on a Basic Maths and Budgeting (Multiply) course, kindly set up by Hillingdon Adult Learn specifically for GRoW participants. The five-week course, held every Thursday at the Hillingdon Women’s Centre, focuses on essential maths skills and practical budgeting techniques.

Nandhini said “I have attended three classes so far, where we covered topics such as multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, percentages, and practical applications like calculating household bills.

This course has been incredibly beneficial, helping me refresh my maths skills and providing practical knowledge for managing household expenses. Even though I learned maths in India what has been interesting about this course is the different ways of teaching. I’ve learned new methods that I can use to teach my kids, and the supportive environment has really boosted my confidence. The instructors are kind and attentive, ensuring that all learners are supported and friends, co-learners, and GRoW members on the course are also very helpful when we encounter problems. They assist us in finding solutions. I’m thoroughly enjoying the course and feel more confident in my maths abilities.”

Nandhini is taking full advantage of the opportunities GRoW have offered. She has actively participated in the Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop and other relevant training sessions. Her goal is to secure a job in a school that accommodates her family’s needs. English, being her second language, posed a challenge, but with the support of her adviser, Saeema, Nandhini enrolled in the Daily Steps ESOL course to improve her proficiency. She also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare and participated in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course. She is now looking ahead to add new skills and qualifications, all aimed at enhancing her employability.

“I have now enrolled in a Functional Skills course with Runway Training” said Nandhini. “This course will further enhance my skills and boost my CV. The confidence I’ve gained from the Basic Maths course has prepared me to tackle this new challenge and I believe these skills will be instrumental in enhancing my employability and helping me achieve my career goals.”

 

Michelle Grenada-Bryan MIEP – Transforming Lives through Specialist Coaching

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Michelle Grenada-Bryan is an Employment Coach at Belina GRoW and is making a significant difference in the lives of people with neurodivergent conditions through her work on the Neurodiverse Strategy Programme with 3SC. With a focus on empowering her clients to overcome workplace challenges, Michelle’s efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent people, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in their professional environments.

Michelle explains “Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions, often face unique challenges in the workplace. These challenges can range from difficulties with communication and social interactions to issues with organisation and time management. Sometimes they need a bit more support to help them overcome these challenges and my role as an employment coach plays a crucial role in helping them navigate their work environments, develop effective strategies, and enhance their overall job performance and personal and professional wellbeing.”

Michelle’s work involves personalised coaching sessions where she helps clients set and achieve specific workplace goals. Each client is assessed based on their individual needs, and coaching plans are created to address their unique challenges. Michelle’s coaching is not about providing direct advice but creating a reflective space for clients to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, ultimately leading to self-generated solutions or the ‘Aha’ moment as Michelle describes it.

Michelle’s clients come to her through referrals from 3SC, often funded by the government’s Access to Work scheme. The number of sessions varies depending on the client’s needs, with some requiring as few as four sessions and others needing up to ten.

Michelle brings a wealth of experience and specialised skills to her role. She has a background in coaching from her previous role as a civil servant and has undergone extensive training in coaching techniques. Additionally, her roles as a Learning Support Assistant and School Meals Supervisor at a school where she works with neurodivergent children has provided her with valuable insights into engaging and supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Her ability to build rapport quickly is a testament to her experience and genuine interest in her clients’ well-being. This connection is vital in helping clients feel understood and supported, enabling them to open up about their challenges and work towards effective solutions.

Talking about the positive impact Michelle’s coaching has had on her clients Michelle explains “I’ve had great feedback from clients who report significant improvements in their ability to manage workplace challenges and sustain these improvements over time. The success stories are documented through self-evaluation forms and case studies and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the coaching programme. Clients complete a self evaluation at the beginning and then at either 3 weeks or 6 weeks after and again at the end of the programme, to review how far people have progressed and what has been achieved.

“Being a coach is different from being a therapist and there is a fine balance to be made in terms of the support we as coaches offer when supporting clients. Coaches are there to look to the future and discuss what you can do to improve a situation whereas therapists often look back to see what could have been done better or differently. As a coach, I’m there to help people move forward and achieve their goals. It’s about engaging with people and building trust and a rapport.

“Working on this programme is extremely rewarding and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to support neurodivergent people and help them to overcome challenges to achieve their full potential in the workplace.”

Bangladeshi GP Nur Gets Ready to Work

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Nur moved to the UK in 2022 from Bangladesh, where she was a dedicated and experienced General Practitioner (GP).  Nur is now looking for job opportunities in the healthcare sector to gain work experience before undertaking her license to practice in the UK.  Nur has been supported by GRoW through our GRoW Bootcamp and with our partners at Shama Women’s Centre to get ready for work.

Nur said “I have a seven year old daughter and so I am available to work during the day while she is at school or in the evenings. I am aiming to take my licence to practice in the UK but first I need to improve my English language skills and have enrolled with Leicester College for ESOL training. Despite my qualifications in my home country, my fluency in English needs improving to meet the professional standards in the UK. The course is set to begin in September and I’m looking forward to starting this as it will be a significant step forward in my journey back to work.

GRoW has given me lots of support through their GRoW Bootcamp where I received help to tailor my CV and advice to help present my qualifications and experience effectively to potential employers. I’ve also been connected with training specialists like Pet-Xi who provide adult education and they are running an event with Shama Women’s Centre to support all the GRoW Leicester graduates who need further support.

I’m also attending Shama Women’s Job Club, which meets every Tuesday. This club is a great opportunity to share job leads, and find out about the job market which will help me gain more advice about job searching in the UK.

While I work towards obtaining my licence to practice as a GP in the UK, I am actively seeking employment in the healthcare sector. There are financial demands involved in taking the licence exams and so taking on roles such as care work is something I am really keen to do at the moment, especially part-time positions that fit around my daughter’s school hours. I am also willing to work full-time during evenings too.

I have found a supportive network in GRoW and their partners at Business2Business and Shama Women’s Centre and feel ready to find a job in the healthcare sector that will move me closer to my goal of resuming my professional career.”

Drita’s Job Success with GRoW

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Drita was referred to GRoW from her Job Centre in Uxbridge in December 2023 and has been actively engaged with the support GRoW has to offer. A regular attendee at our virtual Coffee Mornings as well as a regular visitor at GRoW’s HQ at The Winning Box in Hayes, Drita has engaged with Daily Steps ESOL training and has now found a job as a School Kitchen Catering Assistant.

Drita said “I moved to the UK from Albania and am a single parent to two boys. I worked part-time in a school nursery but my contract period ended in September and I have been out of work since then. The job centre referred me to GRoW and Sheeja worked with me as my Adviser. She helped give me so much support with things like my Universal Credit application and she also helped me with my housing issues too. The English language is a bit of a barrier for me but Sheeja enrolled me on an ESOL course with Daily Steps which I have completed online and it has been so helpful for me.

As a single parent it is important for me to find work that fits in with my children, so that I can take them to school and pick them up. Searching for jobs has not been easy but Sheeja helped me with that and she worked with me to write a really good CV that I could send to potential employers.

Having the support of GRoW has been so good for me. Taking part in Daily Steps to improve my English skills has been so important. I have applied for many jobs since stopping work last Summer and its been quite demotivating as I’ve felt I’ve not been progressing. Trying to find the right kind of work that I can fit in around my children has meant that there are less opportunities but I am so pleased now to have found this job as a School Catering Assistant. I found the job through an agency and its only a 30 minute travel for me by train which fits in really well with my circumstances.

I am really excited to be starting my new job in June and I am so thankful to GRoW for everything they’ve done to help me get back to work.