Pakeeza Finds Confidence and Full-Time Work with Support from Grow

Pakeeza, who lives in Hillingdon, has just secured a full-time job as a General Assistant with an airline catering company near Heathrow – a brilliant achievement she credits in part to the confidence she gained through the Grow programme.

Previously working part-time while studying at university, Pakeeza found herself out of work after returning from a trip abroad and was referred to Grow by her Jobcentre. “They said Grow could help with preparing for work or starting a course and that’s exactly what I needed.”

Through Grow, Pakeeza completed Functional Skills in English and Maths and attended in-person workshops and online sessions to build her employability. “Before Grow, I had no idea how to write a CV properly or what kind of questions might come up in an interview,” she said. “They gave me so much support, from CV tailoring to cover letters and interview preparation. I didn’t even know you were supposed to change your CV for each job!”

When she spotted a vacancy for a General Assistant at a catering company on Indeed, Pakeeza applied independently but with her new skills and confidence, she was ready. “I had a phone interview, then an in-person one at the company, plus a hygiene test and other paperwork. Because I’d done this kind of work before, I knew what to expect, and Grow had prepared me for the rest.”

The job is exactly what Pakeeza was looking for, full-time work in a familiar setting with a clear pathway forward. “I have been placed in the Production Department but I’m happy to be flexible and learn where I fit best.”

Looking back, Pakeeza says the biggest thing she gained from Grow was belief in herself. “They really built my confidence. I didn’t just learn how to apply for jobs, I understood how to present myself and feel ready for interviews. It made all the difference.”