Easha, 20, joined the ESF ESOL programme in February 2010, shortly after arriving in the UK from Austria.  He referred himself onto the programme, having heard about what we offer from one of our previous learners, who was a friend of his.

Easha wanted to improve his Basic Skills (ESOL and Numeracy) and was very keen to find work.  His confidence was at somewhat of low ebb, having been unsuccessful in several previous applications.  Although he had a wealth of experience in I.T. in Austria and his level of English was fairly high, something was still proving to be a major obstacle when looking for work. He was beginning to get somewhat disillusioned with the process.  Despite his high level of computer skills, Easha was lacking in direction and focus when it came to job search activities. He was, understandably, very frustrated but still very determined to improve and to find work.

Easha completed an initial assessment in English and Numeracy and scored an Entry level 2. 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. Easha was willing to take a job in any sector, but still needed 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 timesheets, stock reports, work reports, etc. Easha decided that he would focus on a dual goal of securing employment and improving his ESOL and Numeracy skills.  He had vocational qualifications from Austria, but these were not recognised here and he did not have any formal English qualifications from anywhere.

Easha attended an Individual Learning Plan session with the ESOL tutor to agree targets and set realistic timescales to achieve them. Within one month of joining the ESOL class Easha had improved noticeably, but it was his confidence that was benefiting the most. He was constantly progressing beyond TNG screenings to interviews with employers and whilst these were proving to be unsuccessful, he was now reacting in a much more positive manner.

In March 2010, it was decided that Easha should be registered for his ESOL Entry Level 2 exam, because he had shown such rapid progress. However prior to this being done, he was successful in securing a job with TK Maxx in Ilford. He started working in April and was informed that the option of him taking his ESOL exam will still be available as a result of the in-work support we offer.