Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW

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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.”

 

Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role

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From GRoW to a Teaching Assistant Role: Valeriia’s Journey

Earlier this year, we shared Valeriia’s inspiring story of resilience and determination as she transitioned from her life in Ukraine to working with GRoW in Kingston. Today, we’re excited to share an update about Valeriia’s next chapter: her new role as a Teaching Assistant. In her own words, Valeriia reflects on the challenges she faced, the steps she took to overcome them, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I always knew I wanted to work in a school, but there were two problems holding me back. First, I didn’t have any local experience, which employers here really want. Second, most of the schools I applied to were looking for someone with experience working with children who have special educational needs (SEN), and I didn’t have that either. Even so, I didn’t stop applying. I kept looking for jobs, going to interviews, and learning from each experience.

This summer, everything changed. I saw a vacancy for a Teaching Assistant at the school my son attends. It felt like fate! I applied straight away, and they invited me for an interview. To my surprise and happiness, I got the job. I officially started in September, and it’s been a wonderful three months since then.

Looking back, I think two things helped me succeed. First, the experience of going to different interviews really prepared me. In one previous interview, I had to read a book with Year 1 children and then discuss it with them. When the same task came up during my interview for this job, I felt confident because I already knew what to do. The second thing was the confidence I gained while working with GRoW. That job reminded me that I’m capable, that I can contribute, and that I have skills to offer.

But more than that, the inspiring women at GRoW inspired myself. Seeing their strength, determination, and kindness helped me believe in my own potential and motivated me to overcome any barriers I faced.

Working at my son’s school has been very different from my experience as a teacher in Ukraine. In Ukraine, children with SEN used to go to special schools. It wasn’t until 2019 that they started integrating into regular schools. Here, every class has children with SEN, so gaining experience in this area is really important. I didn’t have that experience before, but now I’m learning every day on the job. I’m also thinking about taking a course on understanding autism to build my knowledge further. I believe every new skill and bit of knowledge helps me improve and grow. I would suggest to anyone who is looking to work in a school to undertake courses or programmes where you can learn about how to support children with additional needs as it is quite an important part of a teaching assistant role.

One of the best parts of my new job is how convenient it is. I can drop my son off at school and start my workday right there. It’s made life so much easier for our family. I found this job on a website called Eteach, which lists school jobs. I checked it regularly because I wanted something close to home. When the vacancy appeared, it felt like the perfect fit.

If I could give one piece of advice to others looking for work, it would be this: keep going. Keep applying, keep going to interviews, and don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the job, you gain experience with each interview. You learn what to expect, you build your confidence, and eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. That’s what happened to me.

Working with GRoW was also a turning point for me. When I started, I had been out of work for a while, and my confidence was low. But the job at GRoW reminded me that I’m capable. I enjoyed meeting new people, helping them, and feeling like I was contributing again. That experience made me feel ready when this teaching assistant role came along.

I’m so happy to be where I am now, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way. Every experience has been a step forward, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in my new role.”

 

Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW

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Mukta moved to the UK from Bangladesh nearly eight years ago. She had some work experience working in retail for a year but has focused mainly on raising her children. Lacking in confidence Mukta came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking for support to get a job. Now, she’s volunteering, completing childcare qualifications, and working towards her dream of becoming a childminder.

Mukta said “When I joined the GRoW Programme last year, I felt very unsure about myself. I didn’t know how to find a job or what to do. I had worked in a shop for one year, but then I stopped because I needed to look after my children. I didn’t have much confidence, and I felt shy talking to people. GRoW helped me to change that.

At first, I wanted help to find paid work. I didn’t feel confident, but GRoW supported me. I joined their Bootcamp, which was very helpful. It taught me things I didn’t know and made me feel better about myself. I also did the “Preparing to Work in Schools” course, which gave me new ideas about work. It made me think about doing more and gave me hope.

One of the best things I did was start volunteering. Now, I volunteer at a library in Redbridge every Tuesday. At first, I was nervous, but now I really enjoy it. It gives me experience, and I feel more confident talking to people. This is very important for me because before, I was too shy to talk to anyone.

GRoW also helped me find a childcare course. I completed my Level 1 qualification with Get Set UK, and I really enjoyed it. I love working with children, and my dream is to become a childminder. I’m planning to do my Level 2 childcare course next so I can take the next step. I want to help families and children and do a job I enjoy.

GRoW has helped me so much. They made me believe in myself. Before, I was very shy and didn’t think I could do anything. Now, I feel confident and ready to take on new challenges. I even went to a job fair recently and spoke to people about my goals. This was something I could never do before.

I’m very happy that I joined GRoW. They have given me the support I needed to move forward. I feel like I’m on the right path now. My dream is to become a childminder, and I know I can do it. If anyone is thinking about joining GRoW, I would say, go for it. They can really help you, just like they helped me.

 

Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme

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Amna joined the GRoW Programme looking for ways to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. She hadn’t worked formally before in the UK but had worked as a volunteer before COVID. Amn’s journey with GRoW has been transformative and now she is volunteering as both a Parent Champion and working with HomeStart Hillingdon, and has just completed her Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification with Get Set UK, as part of the GRoW Programme. Now Amna is looking to undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and is now working towards a career in this field.

Amna said; “When I first joined GRoW, I was feeling very unsure. I hadn’t worked before, only volunteered in schools a long time ago. After COVID, I lost my confidence and my communication skills. I felt nervous even to talk to new people. But through GRoW’s coffee mornings and meeting others like me, I started to feel encouraged. The GRoW team really supported me, especially Michelle and Sheeja, and it made me feel like I was not alone.

Now, I am volunteering as a Parent Champion and with HomeStart Hillingdon. For HomeStart, I’m attending training every Wednesday for nine sessions. After that, they will match me with a family, and I will visit them to provide support, listen to their problems, and let them know they’re not alone. I’m there to help, but if they need advice, I speak with the coordinator. It feels good to know that I am making a difference and helping people.

With the Parent Champions, I attend sessions and help as a translator for Urdu if anyone needs it. It’s a great way for me to give back to the community and use my language skills to help others.

Through GRoW, I also found out about the Teaching Assistant course. I completed my Level 2 certificate, and now I’m preparing my CV with Sheeja’s help. I never thought I would want to work as a Teaching Assistant, but GRoW has changed my mindset. I’m even planning to take Level 3 later this year! Now, I feel ready to apply to schools and see where this path can take me.

Joining GRoW was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me confidence, skills, and a support network. I now feel ready to balance volunteering and work, and I am excited for the future. I know that, with GRoW by my side, I can achieve my goals.”

Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education

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Sunita is a mother to a child with Downs Syndrome, who first learned about the GRoW Programme a year before signing up. At that time, she wasn’t quite ready to take the next step, but she held onto the information, knowing that GRoW might be the support she’d need when the timing was right for both her and her child. Now with her son settled in secondary school, Sunita felt ready to start her journey back into work. GRoW provided her with the encouragement and resources to take that first step, helping her pursue a career that fits her family’s needs.

Sunita said “I recently completed the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course through GRoW which has been such an inspiring and informative experience for me. So much so that I’m now planning to take a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. GRoW has been so supportive in helping me on my journey and I now feel I am on a path to the future.

I first heard about GRoW back in the summer of 2023 at a community event at the Civic Centre in Hillingdon. A member of the GRoW team was there, sharing information about the support they offer. I kept the leaflet, knowing that one day, I might be ready to take that next step. Finally, in September of this year, I reached out and began my journey with GRoW.

I’m a mother, and my son has Downs Syndrome, so finding work that fits around his needs has always been a priority. GRoW really understood this, and they recommended I start with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course. It was perfect for me as I want to work part-time in a school, where my son’s school hours align with work hours.

The course was incredibly informative. It gave me a deeper understanding of mental health, especially how important early intervention can be for children. Coming from a different cultural background, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, so this course opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and supporting children’s mental health. Learning about the stigma surrounding mental health was a revelation, and I felt empowered to help create a supportive environment for children.
GRoW made the enrolment process so simple; I didn’t have to wait long, and the GRoW Advisers, Saeema and Sheeja, were there to support me every step of the way. The course itself was delivered online over three weeks, with a tutor guiding us through each session. I felt like I was part of a community, learning alongside others who shared similar goals.

Now, I’m looking forward to the next step: enrolling in the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. I recently completed an English assessment, and I’m hopeful I’ll pass. I’ve gained so much confidence through GRoW’s support, and I feel like I’m on the right path. GRoW also sends regular updates and motivational messages, which keep me inspired and remind me that I’m not alone on this journey.
I feel so much more confident since joining GRoW I’m excited now to see where this journey leads me.

Masiha Begins a New Role in Retail

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Mum of one Masiha recently joined the GRoW Programme when she was referred from her Universal Credit coach at the job centre and has now found a job as a Retail Assistant at Home Bargains in West Drayton.

Masiha said “A few weeks ago, I applied for Universal Credit. During my first job centre appointment, they asked if I wanted a job and how long I had been unemployed. I told them I was actively looking for a job and they mentioned a programme called GRoW, which helps women, especially mums, find jobs. I was interested, so they referred me to GRoW.

One of the GRoW advisers called me, and we scheduled an appointment. During our first meeting, she referred me to some Functional Skills courses and helped me with my job applications. I mentioned that I had an interview with Specsavers, and she offered to help me prepare for it. Karen, one of her colleagues, conducted a mock interview with me, which was incredibly helpful.

I wasn’t expecting such comprehensive support from GRoW. I thought it was just a motivational programme, but they provided practical help, including interview preparation. One day, while scrolling through the GRoW app, I saw a job posting for Home Bargains. They were opening a new store nearby, so I applied.
Within a few days, Home Bargains contacted me. They initially said they would get back to me within a week, but it took a bit longer. Meanwhile, I was also waiting to hear back from Specsavers, but that role was in Putney, which is quite far from where I live in Ruislip. Home Bargains, on the other hand, is much closer, just a 54-minute bus journey away.

I have three years of retail experience, having worked at Primark before I went on maternity leave. After my maternity leave, I couldn’t return to Primark because they needed someone full-time, and I could only work part-time on weekends. I then worked as a caregiver for a year, but the job wasn’t secure enough. With my own caring responsibilities, it was too difficult to coordinate the hours they were willing to offer me. I also did some freelance interpreting work from home.

My personal life has been challenging. My husband and I divorced, and I had no financial support, which led me to apply for Universal Credit. My daughter, who is now in nursery part-time, has special needs, so I need to be available for her during the week. That’s why I can only work weekends.

Home Bargains offered me a part-time position with shifts on weekends, which suits my schedule perfectly. I can work two four-hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays, and possibly a late Friday evening shift if needed. The contract states that it’s eight hours over a maximum of two days, which works well for me.
The help I received from GRoW was amazing. Karen, my adviser, went above and beyond. Even though I was registered with job search websites I never saw the Home Bargains job advertised and if I wasn’t part of the GRoW community, I wouldn’t have known about it. As soon as I saw it, I applied and secured an interview within a week.

I’m excited to start this new chapter and grateful for the support from GRoW. They helped me find a job that fits my needs and prepared me for the interview process. Now, I’m looking forward to starting my new job at Home Bargains and providing for my daughter.

Navya Gets Ready for Work

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Navya joined the GRoW Programme in August 2024, looking for support as she transitioned into the UK job market. With her background studies in Human Resources and logistics, Navya has been keen to find a role that fits her skills and experience. Now as part of the GRoW Programme she has been actively engaged with GRoW’s activities and is looking forward to starting her journey to work.

Navya said, “I came across the GRoW Programme through a friend at my daughter’s school. They had given me a flyer, and I decided to go and meet the team. That’s how I found out about all the support available, and I’m really glad I did.

I’ve been in the UK for about two years now, but I only started looking for a job after finishing my studies. I completed a master’s degree in Human Resources, and I’m particularly interested in roles in HR, administration, or logistics. When I was in the Middle East, I worked in HR and logistics, so I have some experience, but it’s been a challenge finding the right opportunity here.

When I joined GRoW, Liz Sewell, GRoW’s director provided me with valuable feedback on how to approach job applications which was really useful. Another really helpful part of the programme has been the CV workshops. Karen is helping me improve my CV, and I will feel much more confident applying for jobs when that is done. I’ve already started applying and am hopeful that I will secure something soon. I’ve also attended some of the online sessions, including coffee mornings, which have been really motivating. Talking to others in the same situation has inspired me to keep going.

I haven’t had any interviews yet, but I’m planning to attend the interview practice workshop to prepare myself. The support from the GRoW team has been fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next.

My goal is to find a role that fits my experience though I am open to any opportunities for full time work. Thanks to the GRoW Programme, I feel like I’m on the right track.”

Meet Emma – From GRoW Participant to Business Starter

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Emma is a mother to 5 children with ages ranging from 6 to 22 years old. Emma first joined the GRoW Programme during the challenging times of the lockdown in 2020. Having never worked before, she embarked on the programme as a way to find confidence and direction. Her journey has since come full circle as she is now working with the GRoW team in Lambeth, helping to engage new participants. She’s not only helping others but also developing plans to start her own cleaning business, with support from Mercedes, who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme.

Emma said: “Right when lockdown happened in 2020, I joined the GRoW Programme which had transformed into an all-online programme. Although I had done voluntary work, I hadn’t done any paid work before and was lacking in confidence. Being a mum kept me busy, but when I came to the programme, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had heard about GRoW from my children’s school and it just felt like the right time. The programme really helps you figure out what you want to do and where you want to go, and for me, that was huge.

The biggest thing I took away from GRoW was confidence. Before, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. But through the workshops and the support I received, I started to believe in myself. I hadn’t worked before, but after finishing the programme, I managed to get a job in retail. It wasn’t something I had planned, but GRoW helped me put together my CV and prepare for interviews. I even attended a CV workshop, and that was a game-changer. I learned to adapt my CV for different jobs, which was something I hadn’t thought about before.

Before joining GRoW, I had only done voluntary work – things like helping out in a nursery and at my children’s school. That gave me some experience, but I never thought I could actually use it to get a paid job. The GRoW team helped me see that everything I had done was valuable. And that’s a message I want to share with other women – just because you haven’t had paid work doesn’t mean you don’t have skills and experience.

Now, I’m not in retail anymore because the shop I was working at closed down. But that gave me the chance to think about what I really want to do, and that’s to start my own cleaning business. I’m getting support from Mercedes who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme, and it’s been amazing. She’s helping me with everything from understanding self-employment to setting up my business plan. It’s exciting to think about being my own boss.

I’m also helping out with the Lambeth programme now, working to engage new participants. It feels good to give back and to be able to say to others, ‘I was in your shoes, and look where I am now.’ GRoW opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered before. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about figuring out what you truly want to do and then going for it. That’s what I’m doing now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support.”

Nandhini’s Journey to Becoming a Teaching Assistant

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Nandhini recently secured a job as a teaching assistant in a primary school with the support of the GRoW Programme. After moving to the UK from India in March 2023, Nandhini was keen to re-establish her career after a six-year break to raise her son. She wanted to find a role that would allow her to work while balancing her family responsibilities. Nandhini was an excellent participant on the GRoW Programme in Hillingdon, taking full advantage of our online and in-person events and has seen her confidence grow and develop as a result.

Nandhini said “I have received lots of training and support through GRoW such as the in-person Bootcamp, the GRoW Timeline session, coffee mornings, Daily Steps ESOL Training, Functional Skills Training and Multiply Training, as well as important courses in Safeguarding and Data Protection, all of which have helped me prepare for working in a school, which was my goal. All of these sessions have also helped me build my confidence which is something I was really lacking at first.

As well as the online support I was also given lots of support from Saeema and Sheeja at the GRoW HQ in Hayes. It was great being able to visit and talk to them face to face and get advice about what I needed to do to move forward with my plans. They were very helpful and gave me lots of encouragement and guidance. As well as the training and professional development I have done through GRoW I also did an Early Years Foundation course that was useful and helped when I applied to teaching recruitment agencies.

Since starting the GRoW Programme I feel I have really gained so much confidence, just being with other women like myself, meeting new friends, networking and talking makes such a difference in itself, not to mention the dedicated support around finding a job that really interests me and suits my life circumstances. I started my new job this week and am really looking forward to my future.

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.”