employment case study

Language: a pathway to work

The charity Steps to Work, which cooperates with 3SC, helps local people and businesses across the West Midlands, improving and acquiring personal skills to equip them for work.

Amina had been on job seeker’s allowance for a long time. Shy and withdrawn, it was evident that her lack of English was an obstacle to finding work, despite her attending courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Steps to Work introduced Amina to a women’s support group, where she gained confidence and started to interact more. She started ESOL courses at this support group, and her English skills have improved massively.

Amina is moving closer to the day when, armed with her new language fluency, she can become a compelling candidate for employment.