I was out of work for about 2 months during which time I hated going to the job centre and looking for jobs. It seemed like such a grueling task, I felt so uncertain about the future and if I’d find something that would fit with what I wanted to do, my personality and my schedule. Managing on job seeker’s allowance with the uncertainty of how I was going to pay bills and manage my finances was a challenge. I was constantly job searching, sorting out my C.V, travelling and phoning places for any available jobs. I was slowly losing interest because I wasn’t finding anything credible.

However, I was then told about Broadgate connect by a family member who also managed to get me in contact with them. Chantell helped me to see that there are decent jobs out there that can fit with my schedule and personality that are not impossible to find, and also to maintain a more positive attitude. The training helped me to understand and identify the specific things the employer was looking for and also to help harness my skills in those areas, which made finding employment ten times easier.

Within three days of my two week work placement, I was offered a job. Chantell has been fantastic, she went above and beyond her job role by really ensuring that my core strengths shone in front of the employers, but also by advising me on the best course of action in different situations, which guaranteed success for me.

I was overjoyed when I heard I’d received the job, it almost seemed like a dream. It has given me back a sense of purpose and direction, and also stability on where I stand and where I see myself in the future. My role as cleaning operative has many different facets. I do front of house services in the main reception of one of the largest buildings in London, where I come face to face with many customers, employers and employees of Broadgate. Although I am currently contracted to 15 hours a week I am actually doing additional hours at £9.40 per hour, and the position I hold is permanent. An added bonus is my job role allows me to see the view of the entire city of London every single day! The managers have already spoken to me about training and development to become a supervisor and eventually a manager, so the future looks bright.

If you are willing to put in the effort, do your best, listen and follow advice given, succeeding will be smooth sailing.

As told by Christopher Bush of Hackney, who successfully found employment through ELBA’s Broadgate Connect Programme.