Falguni, an Indian resident living in the Lambeth borough, embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling in the Skills Bootcamp course offered by Pathways Skillzone Green Man. As an individual with caring responsibilities and an entrepreneurial background, Falguni sought new opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills in the care sector.
Before enrolling in the Skills Bootcamp, Falguni and her husband ran a community convenience store for over 20 years. However, unforeseen circumstances forced them to close the business abruptly, leaving Falguni facing the challenge of finding new employment. Her limited tech-savviness posed an additional hurdle in her job search efforts.
Motivated to upgrade her knowledge and acquire new skills, Falguni decided to join the Skills Bootcamp course. The program offered her the chance to meet people from diverse cultures, boosting her confidence and providing a supportive environment to explore potential career paths.
The Skills Bootcamp course proved to be an enriching experience for Falguni.
Covering topics such as different communication methods, health and safety, person-centred approaches, legislation, and diversity and inclusion, the course equipped her with the necessary skills to provide personalised care to individuals in need. The person-centred approach, in particular, opened Falguni’s eyes to a new understanding of caring for her 87-year-old mother-in-law, allowing her to provide tailored attention and support.
Falguni thoroughly enjoyed the course for the valuable knowledge gained and interactions with her tutor, Nicola Boswell, and her classmates during breaks. These conversations fostered a sense of camaraderie and provided additional learning opportunities.
Completing the Skills Bootcamp course immediately impacted Falguni’s employment prospects. Shortly before completing the course, she secured a job in the care sector. Although the actual wage was not disclosed, it was mentioned that Falguni’s earnings were slightly above the London Living Wage.
Throughout the process, the Skills Bootcamps training provider, Nicola Boswell, played a pivotal role in supporting Falguni and her classmates. Nicola provided patient and detailed explanations, catering to the diverse needs and levels of understanding within the class. Her support was crucial in helping the students succeed in their learning journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Falguni shares her challenges and offers words of motivation to other Londoners. She highlights her struggles with anxiety during her job search and the importance of seeking support from friends and family. Falguni’s transformation throughout the Skills Bootcamp experience is an inspiring testament to never giving up and continuing to pursue personal and professional growth.
Falguni also expresses her gratitude to the staff at Pathway SkillsZone Green Man for their exceptional assistance. Their efforts in arranging interviews with relevant employers aligned with the student’s interests played a vital role in Falguni’s successful job placement.
Falguni’s discovery of Skills Bootcamps came through her Job Centre Plus coach in Streatham, who provided information and encouraged her to connect with Luke Wildey from Pathways. This introduction paved the way for her enrollment and eventual career transition.
Falguni’s journey exemplifies the power of Skills Bootcamps in empowering individuals to overcome challenges, acquire new skills, and find meaningful employment in their desired fields. Her determination and perseverance inspire others facing similar hurdles, encouraging them to explore the opportunities that Skills Bootcamps offer.