Evan, 30, joined the ESF ESOL programme in July 2009 in order to improve his Basic Skills (ESOL and Numeracy) and find suitable employment. He was living in temporary accommodation and very much lacking in self-confidence.

Although he had a wealth of experience as a panel beater in his native Iran, Evan’s low level of English proved a major obstacle when looking for work. He was also beginning to get somewhat disillusioned with the process.  Evan only had very basic computer skills, which also hampered his job search activities. He was understandably very frustrated but still very determined to improve and to find work.

Evan completed an initial assessment in English and Numeracy and scored a low Entry level 1. He was then advised to complete a diagnostic test to identify his strengths and weaknesses in Basic Skills. The outcome of the diagnostic assessment demonstrated that he needed to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening. As Evan wanted to gain a job in the motor, he would undoubtedly have to improve his speaking and listening skills as he would be communicating with customers, as well as colleagues. He also needed to improve his reading and writing, in order to help him understand and complete work, reports, etc. Evan decided that while his long term goal was to secure employment, in the immediate and short term he would have to improve his ESOL, Basic IT and Numeracy skills.  He had vocational qualifications from Iran, but these were not recognised here and he did not have any formal English qualifications from Iran.

Evan attended an Individual Learning Plan session with the ESOL tutor to agree targets and set realistic timescales to achieve them. After six months of attendance of the ESOL class he had progressed noticeably and it was decided that he should attempt the City & Guilds Entry Level 2 ESOL examination. He certainly felt confident enough to take the exam as this was justified when he passed with flying colours.

This achievement seemed to inspire Evan and he increased his job search activities dramatically. He was regularly attending interviews and though unsuccessful, was certainly gaining in confidence with each one. He also began progressing at a rapid pace in computer and Numeracy skills. So much so that it was decided he would take the City & Guilds Entry 3 Numeracy exam in May 2010. Evan gained a work trail with a mechanic, and much to his and all of our delight Evan secured a permanent position with an Auto Repairers in South London. His employers are extremely pleased with his work and are already considering putting him onto an NVQ course.

Evan thanked everyone at TNG profusely and felt that our help went beyond improving his skills and helping him look for work. He felt the biggest achievement was the increase in his confidence without which, he felt he would not have achieved the others. Evan knows that we are still available to him through in-work support, should he need our assistance in any way.