ST arrived in the UK in July 2023 under a skilled worker visa, limited to employment in the care sector. Despite applying for more than 50 positions, securing work proved challenging. The visa restrictions which confined her to just 20 hours of employment outside her initial sponsoring company, posed a significant obstacle. Although expected to work full-time, her sponsoring company had no available positions upon her arrival, and other employers were deterred by the constraints of her visa and by the challenges presented by the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). ST was referred to Good Work Camden via her local library at Gospel Oak. There, she registered and was paired with a Job Hub Advisor who assisted her in updating her CV and provided support with interview strategies. ST’s Job Hub Advisor had a good relationship with a care agency and was able to negotiate a fast-track application process and agreement to the less-than-ideal hours she needed. ST was successfully employed and is now working 16 hours a week.

I met with Job Hub Adviser Munira, she tried so hard to get work for me, but it was futile for a while, we even applied for other jobs outside care and it was not successful until this year, when she told me she has contacted a care agency and they thankfully employed me around March and I'm doing at most 16 hours weekly which is great because I didn't get any job since my arrival in the UK. Munira has been of immense help in my ability to get a job and also helped with travel funds from the resident support fund for my Oyster. I believe I'll still be languishing if not for Good Works Camden's support. And I am immensely grateful”.

AG has been unemployed since May 2023. At 65 years old, she found herself struggling with mortgage payments while relying on UC for financial support. Despite her efforts in applying for numerous positions and being shortlisted for interviews but still struggled to secure employment. AG faced a number of challenges, including lack of confidence in digital skills, career breaks resulting in employment gaps, nerves during interviews and felt anxiety about performing in the job at her age. AG was referred to GWC by her job coach at the Job Centre in Kentish Town. She was supported into in-house employment and digital courses to enhance her skill set and boost her confidence in IT. AG was referred to Smart Works for assistance with acquiring smart clothing for interviews. She also volunteered with a local charity, securing valuable references. AG attended one of GWC’s partnership events with ULCH which are designed to demystify the NHS application and interview process and create pathways and access into NHS Bank and apprenticeships roles. In March 2024, AG started full time role with the NHS (reservists’ position @ UCLH), on RNTNE/EDH Department as their Receptionist.

“I found assistance from Good Work Camden was the main reason why I am currently employed. My job advisor was continuously available to assist both by her encouraging words and actual assistance in form completion, allowing me to hold a job interview online at the Good Work Camden premises.”

Here are some of his words about his experience and how this has impacted him:

"A brick wall was blocking my path and then I was introduced to work placements within Camden. I was able to get the IT role I was looking for for the past 9 years of my life. This work placement was very beneficial for me. I learned a lot and gained a position due to my hard work. I 100% recommend these placements to anyone who is struggling to get a job or who need experience, as the people who accepted me were amazing. I was always supported and had meetings almost every month seeing if I was happy within the placement. My advisor needs to win an Oscar or some kind of reward on helping me my progress along the way, as I gotten the skill that I need and the experience I would need within the work- place, and this placement itself has changed my life and there is now word to express my gratitude . Even though my work placement has ended they are going to continue the support, if I ever need it I can contact them and I know they'll help me”

"If I had to rate this out of 10 I would 100% give it 60 out of 10 of how amazing, they are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."