Shameela’s Job Success

Shameela came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking to get ready for work following a 19 year break to raise her children. After working with GRoW on a hospitality work placement she has enrolled on a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course and has undergone other training to help her in her goal of working in a school. Shameela has now been offered a job as an Exam Invigilator at a school in Newham.

Shameela said; “I am so happy to have been offered this job and to feel I am achieving my goals. My dream is to work with children and I am grateful for all the support I’ve received from the GRoW team in helping me gain the skills I needed to help me, as well as the confidence and motivation to encourage me to go for it.

As I haven’t worked in a long time my confidence had taken a hit and I felt I couldn’t do anything more than be a mum but GRoW helped me see past that, giving me the support I needed and the chance to improve my skills and experience. Through GRoW I completed a number of courses including Food and Hygiene, Safeguarding and Customer Services training which helped me to boost my CV and I’ve also completed Maths and English courses at Newham College. Sheeja helped me put together a really strong CV and so when a friend shared a link to an Exam Invigilator position I felt confident to apply and feel I was in with a chance.

It took about three weeks from applying before I received an email inviting me to an interview and I was quite nervous in the lead up to the big day. I got the invite to interview email on the Thursday for the interview to take place on the Monday and so I had a very nerve-wracking weekend preparing for it. I had never been to a job interview before so was really quite anxious, practising interview questions and researching what I should say. The interview took place at the school with the Exams Officer and only took around 20 minutes. I felt I came across well and when I left I felt quietly confident. I was overjoyed when I received an email the following day telling me I had got the job! The role involves overseeing exams for GCSE students, ensuring compliance with rules, and providing support as needed. The flexibility of the position is perfect for me as I can choose the hours I want to work and fit it around my Teaching Assistant course as well as my family.

I am feeling so positive now about my journey and my future. I was so excited to be offered this job and to tell my husband, family and friends who were all so happy for me. I’ve been given lots of encouragement to follow my dreams but now I feel that I am finally on my way.