Hanna came to the UK with her husband and young child after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Fast forward almost four years, and after signing up for our Level 1 and Level 2 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, she's secured employment with Staffordshire County Council and a Level 2 AAT Apprenticeship.
The ESOL course has given me the confidence to practise my English and it's helped me to secure a full-time job and a Level 2 Accounting Apprenticeship. It has really changed my life.
Hanna Zadushynska, ESOL Level 2 and Level 2 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship
I completed my education in Ukraine. I graduated from university with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Financial System of Customer Authorities. I mainly worked in retail and I then took a position with the Kyiv Passport Office.
We moved to the UK three years ago fleeing the war. I am married and have a young child and we moved to Stafford.
When I arrived in the UK, my English was not very good and it was difficult for me to communicate. I wanted to improve my English skills to communicate with my community, find a job and make friends in a new country. After a few months, I started studying ESOL at Stafford College. I started on Entry 3 and have moved on to study Level 1 and Level 2.
I felt excited, but also a little nervous. I was happy to have the opportunity to study, but at the same time everything was new and there were many things I didn’t understand.
The lessons are professional and I find the communication skills very useful. The lessons are really easy to follow and I make friends with other learners in the class. My tutor has helped me a lot, explaining grammar clearly and gives us useful exercises. The supportive feedback we get has helped me to feel more confident with my English language.
The ESOL English course was a great support for me after moving to the UK. It helped me to improve my language skills, gain confidence in communication and adapt quickly. I have made some new friends on the course and it is a great place to meet people from different countries and we support each other while learning English.
The ESOL course played a key role in my job interview and I successfully found a job through the Open Doors scheme at Staffordshire County Council and I now work as a Transport Contract Assistant. The placement helped me to get better with English in the workplace. I’m very grateful to the teacher for the high-quality material, motivation, and the clear way they explained everything!
My employer, Staffordshire County Council gave me the opportunity to start a Level 2 Accounting apprenticeship. I have already successfully passed two of my exams. I enjoy learning because it helps me develop new skills and create better opportunities for my future.
Yes I feel more confident. I enjoy learning because it helps me develop new skills and create better opportunities for my future.
I want to focus on my accounting apprenticeship for now but I would like to do another ESOL course in the future.
My advice would be to take this opportunity. This course really helps you improve your English and build confidence. The tutors are very supportive and you can meet new people and learn skills that will help you in work and everyday life.
