Overcoming Barriers: Nandhini’s Journey with the GRoW Programme

Following her move to the UK from India a year ago, Nandhini is looking to re-establish her career and looking for opportunities to work in a school which will allow her to fit her working hours around her young son. She has been an active and engaged member of the GRoW Programme, taking part in the recent Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop, undertaking relevant training and improving her interview skills.

Nandhini said, “I moved to the UK in March 2023 and have had a 6-year career break since having my son. Before that I had a job working in design for an automobile company. Getting back to work now my son is at school is a priority for me but I want to have the right job that fits around my family.

I heard about the GRoW Programme through my son’s school, West Drayton Academy in Hillingdon. GRoW has offered many opportunities for me to develop myself and I really feel I have grown, especially in my confidence. English is my second language and a priority for me is to improve my language skills. This is something my Adviser, Saeema has been working to help me with and I have enrolled on a Daily Steps ESOL course to improve my English language proficiency.

My second priority is to work on gaining the relevant skills and experience to help me get a job in a school. As well as GRoW’s Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop I have taken part in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course and I have also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare. Saeema has now put me forward for Safeguarding and Data Protection courses that will help me even more. I am also seeking opportunities to gain practical experience through volunteering at a local school.

I have also found lots of support through the GRoW App. It’s given me many insights into things like interview techniques, job postings and relevant events within my community. I attended the International Women’s Day event at the Beck Theatre in Hillingdon this week which was so inspiring and motivated me further to achieve my goals.

Community support and mentoring have played an important role in my journey to getting ready for work and overcoming barriers I have to get a job. I feel like I have had lots of encouragement from GRoW, especially from Saeema and also sharing experiences with the other ladies in the GRoW Community has been fantastic.

I feel really determined to keep working hard to achieve my goals and am grateful to GRoW for their help in supporting me on this journey.