5E Life & Times Newsletter - Sep-Oct 2012 by 5E Ltd

September-October 2012

5E LIFE & TIMES 5E LTD NEWSLETTER

Inside This Issue: My adviser Beks helped to revamp my CV. This change made a big difference and made me realize how much experience I actually have. And soon I got a job. —John Morely More Success Stories... Pg: 4-5 I had a 4 hour a week job but I wanted full-time employment and 5E’s business development team helped me fill a vacancy at Premier Inn. - Jermaine Goldson More Success Stories... Pg: 6-7 I was so happy to find out that even on minimum wage, I would be able to support my family and have a considerable amount of money to be able to spend freely. -Leanne Fog More on Benefit Cap project... Pg: 8-9 “On an ESOL course, I found a job and with my teacher’s help studied around it to pass my exams.” - Sandra Jasaityte More on Launch Pad, ESOL and employability skills... Pg:10-15

Together we can do it! 5E fosters a strong client-adviser relationship based on mutual trust and understanding. Advisers go that extra mile to understand client barriers and help them overcome them—through motivation sessions, employment training, specialised courses, work placements and job screening. They give their 100 per cent and then some more and absolutely refuse to give up until the client achieves his/her goal.

5 E L I F E & TI MES

Bringing new courses and provision to clients

E Ltd is consistently extending its reach and offerings to the community and bringing hope and opportunities to the hundreds and thousands of disadvantaged in North and East London. “At 5E, we aim to deliver a high quality service provision primarily to progress a diverse range of disadvantaged and marginalized individuals into sustainable employment opportunities, supported training provision and other life opportunities,” says Raj Doshi, Managing Director. As a leading third sector training provider, 5E has been supporting local communities and employers across London since 1998. “5E currently employs 180 qualified and experienced staff and has a current turnover of over £7 million,” says Salim Ahmed, Operations Manager. With an LSIS Beacon Status, GOLD Investors in People and Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding 5E has with over 13 years experience in managing projects and partnerships for the delivery of basic/vocational

skills training, employability skills and job search, welfare to work provision and workforce development support. 5E has successfully delivered projects as a lead contractor for a range of funding bodies including GOL, LDA, DWP, JCP, SFA, ESF, Home Office, Local Authority, SRB, Nextsteps. 5E is currently delivering Adult Learner Responsive, Employer Responsive and Apprenticeships for 3 mainstream Colleges. 5E also has direct contracts (over £5 million) to deliver these in North & East London. 5E is also delivering Raj Doshi, Managing Director, 5E Ltd “End to End” Work Programme for two Prime Contractors in North London as t 5E, we aim to deliver high quality an important and substantial service provision primarily to progress a sub-contractor. diverse range of disadvantaged and marginal“Our advisers along ized individuals into sustainable employment with the business developopportunities, supported training provision ment team leave no stone unturned to help clients find and other life opportunities,” jobs,” says Rakesh Sonigra, Regional Manager.

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Raj Doshi, Managing Director, 5E Ltd

One step forward Peter Carayol: If you walk towards 5E, they will run towards you.

P “I

’m back in work and I feel more confident now. Also I can navigate my way forward with pride.”

Peter Carayol, Painter/Decorator

eter Carayol came to 5E on the work programme. He wanted help with a CSCS card to get jobs in construction. “Here I achieved more than just obtaining a CSCS card. The advisers helped me to enrol on an ECDL course that helped me with my computer skills and also supported me in getting back to work,” says Peter. Peter showed a massive interest towards finding work. He has been very persistent regarding job search and also always very genuine in terms of obtaining further help and support to finding work,” says Naza-

re Cardodo. Peter soon found a job as a painter/decorator. “I’m back in work and I feel more confident now. Also I can navigate my way forward with pride,” says Peter. Peter was given help with CV, cover letter and interview techniques. He was keen to find a job and the advisers and the management gave him the necessary support to achieve that. “I am very grateful to my advisers, manager Rakesh and the team for their ardent support. Remember, if you walk towards 5E, they will run towards you,” says Peter.

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

I have a qualification and a job Daniel Meade credits ‘the sustained and continuous effort from 5E staff to help him get an industry recognised retail qualification and a permanent job with Sports Direct.”

aniel Meade had a strong desire to find employment but was often meeting disappointment. When he came to 5E, His adviser Ibsa McCartan-Demie identified his needs and helped him overcome his barriers by referring him to courses that would help upgrade his qualifications and help him find employment. “5E provided me with one-on-one interview techniques, options to take qualifications, access to computers, CV workshops, numerous opportunities for employment and support across various centres,” says Daniel.

“Daniel had some experience in retail but was finding it difficult to find a job in that sector. I advised him to take a course in retail that will also give him the necessary qualification that retailers demand in today’s competitive market,” says Ibsa. Daniel completed his course in City & Guilds Level 2 in Retail Knowledge and was referred to the business development team to screen for retail jobs. “The sustained and continuous effort from the staff at 5E enabled me to leave with an industry recognised retail qualification 2 and a permanent job with Sports Direct,” says Daniel Meade.

Ibsa helped Daniel Meade to find a job as a sales assistant at Sports Direct

5E secured me with my security business

think 5E is a really good place to be to if you are looking for a real job. I was unemployed for more than six months before I came to 5E. They were absolutely helpful and tried very hard to get me back into employment. Since I was interested in being self employed, they booked me an appointment with their self employment adviser immediately. She was very experienced and helpful likewise; She gave me all the help and advised me that I needed to start up my own security business. She even set up before she let me go, and she also suggested I conbooked follow up sessions for me as to see how I pro- tact her through 5E whenever I need any advice or help. gressed with my business. She made sure I was properly 5E however, did kept in touch with me, and checked regularly to know how I am getting on with my business and have also asked me to keep in touch with them if I ever need any help or advice in the future. E checked regularly to know how I Finally I will advise anyone who is seriously looking am getting on with my business and have for work or looking to be self employed to get in touch with 5E. They are friendly, helpful, and above all very dedicated also asked me to keep in touch with them if I ever need any help or advice in the future.” to help. Thank you. - Ekemezie Divine Umekwe

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Ekemezie Divine Umekwe

5 E L I F E & TI MES

Courses and work experience at 5E led to my first IT job

Sam with his adviser Girish

am Ridgwell came to 5E with no background in information technology but a desire to pursue a career in that sector. He was on the Work Programme, and his adviser Girish Luchmun put him on several IT courses at Selby Centre like MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional), MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) and MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate). “Since Sam had no prior experience in IT and was very eager to find a job, I

asked him if he would like to do work experience at 5E’s IT department Selby Centre, which he agreed,” says Girish. Sam did his work experience with the IT team where he learnt to diagnose PCs, fix hardware and software issues and installation of Windows XP/7, Office 07/10 and configuration. Sam could also provide on-site hardware and software support. Sam soon found a job as an IT technical support with DPS Software. “The training provided here at 5E helped me with my approach to getting a job,” says Sam.

“T

he training provided here at 5E helped me with my approach to getting a job.”

Sam Ridgwell, IT Technical Support, DPS Software

Thanks to 5E, I got the job quicker

hen Victoria Norman came to 5E on the work programme, she had no idea she would find her first job so soon and in a place which once upon a time housed the Royalty. Minchenden Lodge of Southgate was originally built by the Earl of Chandos and its guest list included the Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It is now a 3 star Care Hotel for 25 residents. Now Victoria will be working there as a care assistant. The vacancy was sourced by Meral Ahmet of the 5E

“5

E supported me very much as they found me a job straightaway. Mrugesh was supportive when I needed it. In that respect I got the job a lot quicker than I could have when I was just job searching.”

Victoria Norman, Care Assistant, Minchenden Lodge

business development team. “Since Victoria had never worked before, the support structure was designed in view of this fact. Besides employability skills, she was encouraged to appreciate her existing skills and helped her to raise her self-confidence,” says Mrugesh Desai, her adviser. “5E supported me very much as they found me a job straightaway. Mrugesh was supportive when I needed it. In that respect I got the job a lot quicker than I could have when I was just job searching. He also helped me get a better CV and good interview techniques,” says Victoria. “She had the right attitude with willingness to prepare herself too,” says Mrugesh.

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

After the storm… comes the calm

“I

ton Hart h a s told Uton to be been working for strong… it may be stormy right three decades in now but it can’t rain forever. several jobs with This constant motivation kept him positive and soon he found over 10 years warehouse experience. a job.” He lost his job in 2010 and was reYemi Taiwo, ferred to 5E on the 5E Adviser Work Programme. His adviser Yemi helped him with his CV, did 1-1 session and motivated him to rigorously pursue his job search. “Yemi is very patient with clients,” says Uton. “I told Uton to be strong because things would get better. I said it may be stormy right now but it can’t rain forever,” says Yemi adding that Uton had a strong CV and it was just a matter of finding him the right job. With Yemi constantly motivating him, Uton soon found a job as a security guard with Tesco. “Yemi

A happy ending: Uton Hart is now working at Tesco

helped me with my CV and also helped me get a job therefore I recommend him to any one looking for help with job search,” says Uton.

A little change makes a big difference

“B

eks helped to revamp my CV. This change made a big difference and made me realize how much experience I actually have.”

John Morely with his adviser Beks

hen I started the Work Programme and met my advisor Beks Nworgu, I felt comfortable and knew I would get help finding work so that I could provide for my family and pay my bills. In the past I felt I wasn't getting the support and advice I needed to move forward.

John Morely, Plasterer, Vision Personnel

Beks helped to revamp my CV. This change made a big difference and actually made me realize how much experience I actually have. When I was on the programme I was also able to understand things about the benefit system such as being able to work as well as getting help paying my rent, this helped me to move forward and work towards achieving my goals. He is now working as a Plasterer with Vision Personnel agency.

5 E L I F E & TI MES

Jobs came to us at 5E

Huseyin Cil with his adviser Jacinta

useyin Cil, came to 5E on the Work Programme. His adviser Jacinta put him on several courses such as employability which helped him to update his CV and write cover letters. “5E at Selby Centre has been very helpful to me in searching and finding a job,” says Huseyin. He started work as a Store Assistant at Olgan Limited Supermarket. Huseyin found his time on the work programme “fun and enjoyable as I got along with the staff and I learnt so many things”.

atice Ahmet was unemployed for more than six months and was referred to 5E on the Work Programme by the job centre. “My first advisor I had left

the company. Then I met Selina my new advisor who was extremely friendly and helpful,” says Hatice. Selina advised Hatice about job vacancies, screenings, Interviews etc. “I applied for so many job vacancies, but I never got a reply back from any vacancies, so Selina decided to help me improve my C.V,” Hatice said. “She also sent me to BHS for an interview and I was successful following her support and guidance,” says Hatice who now works part time as a sales assistant in BHS and still comes to 5E to look for other jobs. “Selina has created a long term work plan of me in order to achieve my goal of becoming a chef. I'm thanking 5E and Selina so much. She’s the best adviser,” said Hatice.

I made a good friend at 5E

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he organisation 5E has been very helpful. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found a job. I also made a good friend in 5E—my adviser Beks. If it wasn't for Beks I would still be jobless. Beks used to call me everytime a job opportunity came up and he was very friendly and helpful. 5E still continues to help me to find full time work as I am currently working part-time.”

‘Work programme clients have a better chance to get jobs’ - Olga

Samatar Omar, Sales Assistant, Matalan

“I

Olga with her adviser Paresh

joined the work programme as a client in February 2012. For me it was a great experience as I have received a lot of support from my advisor Paresh, including creating new CV, Cover letter, general help with job search, and I have also received support with interview techniques from Akshay. I have also attended training for Employability provided by 5 E Ltd and received a qualification. My goal was to find a job in the field of Office Administration because previously I have worked for Catering Company. I believe as a client on work programme, you have a better chance to get into employment, because they have lots of vacancies and they will put your CV forward before the job is actually advertised. While I was looking for work, I volunteered for a charity but my advisor suggested I could volunteer for 5 E Ltd. I did volunteer in Selby Centre for four weeks and eventually I got into full time employment as an Admin Support, because vacancy became available. I have joined the company on the 05/11/2012 and I am happy to work for this company and I believe it will be great experience to improve on my existing skills. Everyone in this company is very helpful, friendly and I believe will receive a great support in my role.” - Olga Mrozkova

5E LIFE & TIMES

A Premier Opportunity J

ermaine Goldson, was already working as a shop assistant in Dynasty Records for four hours every Sunday when he was referred to 5E on the Work programme. He has worked with Dynasty Records for six years and enjoyed his work. However he was keen to find full time employment to provide for his family. Whenever the business development team sourced vacancies suitable for Jermaine, he was asked to go for interviews. “Jermaine is a determined individual and always gives his best,” says Kavitha Ramakrishnan, his adviser. Soon Jermaine found a full time position as a night receptionist at Premier Inn. “My advisor was helpful and motivated me to get in to work. She provided many job opportunities and made all information clear to help me find employment," says Jermaine.

Jermaine Goldson proudly shows off the Premier Inn brochure

Mahdi Ulosow (right) with his adviser Ibsa

ahdi Ulosow, another Work Programme client, was so keen to find work that he would visit Selby centre every day in search for work. His adviser Ibsa helped him with his employability skills and motivated him to keep up his job search. “On one occasion I was contacted by Meral from our Business Development Team about a house keeping opening at Premier Inn. Mahdi seemed to be a perfect candidate for this role so I put him forward,” says Ibsa. Mahdi secured an interview which led to a confirmation of employment. “Ibsa helped me get a job with all his heart. He made me feel at ease and happy when I had my sessions with him. 5E is a great place to come to and I always enjoyed my time here. I have been able to learn and develop my work skills. Thank you Ibsa and thank you 5E,” says Mahdi.

Retail Works to find work

“I

know I want to work in retail. I’m sure this course will help me find my dream job.” 5E tutor Anand showing Steven all about visual merchandising

teven Kelling came to 5E on the Work Programme. His adviser Carmel referred him to the NVQ Level 2 in Retail Works course. “I have to say I really enjoyed it and I learnt a lot about the retail business. “My tutor Anand Patel was very friendly and helpful,” says Steven. Steven is looking for his first job in retail. He has however done a few weeks placement with CEX, a game shop in Edmonton and a Cash & Carry shop in Enfield. “I

Steven Kelling

know I want to work in retail. I’m sure this course will help me find my dream job,” Steven Kelling says Steven. “Steven was a dedicated leaner and keen to find employment in retail,” says Anand. Steven says, “My classmates were also lovely and helpful. I got to admit that I’m really going to miss them. I had a great time with them.

5 E L I F E & TI MES

5E trainer Srikant Nair with his clients during a training session on benefit cap.

A TOTAL EYE OPENER What is Benefit Cap? From April 2013 a limit will be put on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called a benefit cap.

What does 5E do? 5E runs a programme (two modules) on Ben Cap to raise client’s awareness and produce individual action plans to identifying training needs, thereby building sufficient confidence and competence to enable clients to deal with the impact of the Housing Benefit Cap, overcome social and personal barriers and progress to employment.

y name is Leanne Fog. My time at 5E has to be the most memorable experience for me. It has been a total eye opener which I will never forget. I am going to take away so much knowledge and experience, it has changed my life forever. I have gained many skills. Initially when attending at 5E I wasn’t very positive but it proved me wrong. This programme has been such a learning curve that I am astonished to realize that I have managed to learn so much in so little time. I am now a very confident person with a can do attitude and I’m very excited to get into employment. I have four children and I’m a single mother, so I thought were not very high of myself, but after coming to

this course I am now enthusiastic about getting employed. During my time at 5E, I had a chance to look at Benefit Cap and how it would affect me. I was astonished to find out that I would most definitely be affected. I also checked to see what financial situation I would be in if I was to work, but with a minimum wage as I have neither qualification nor experience. I was so happy to find out that even on minimum wage, I would be able to support my family and also have a considerable amount of money to be able to spend freely. I cannot thank the staff at 5E enough. My trainer Shree was outstanding. He has given me so much to take with me, I couldn’t thank him enough. Beth has offered so much friendly advice and support , I felt free to be able to

speak to her if I ever had a problem. There was also John who was from the citizen’s advice bureau, he helped to calculate our benefits and benefits cap. He was a great help. Go with an open mind and you can gain a lot from his course.

“I

am now a very confident person with a can-do attitude and I’m very excited to get into employment.”

“I was so happy to find out that even on minimum wage, I would be able to support my family and have a considerable amount of money to be able to spend freely.”

Leanne Fog

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

T H E TRAI NER S H AV E GUI D ED M E HONES TLY

y name is Gia Nguyen and I have been on JSA for more than a year. Due to the benefit reform is coming into effect soon on April 2012, I have been referred to 5E based in Edmonton for a 4 weeks benefit cap course. At first I was very reluctant to join as it was a 4 week but after 2 days I was amazingly surprised that I was treated here with respect and a very friendly approach. To me it was not just the warm welcome but also the content of the course that was so valuable and it was delivered so well in such a short time. I have learnt immensely from the course in terms of confidence, motiva-

tion, job search and writing my CV with great support from all the friendly trainers. I have felt that I became a different person after completing the 4 week course. My direction and goals have been firmly set now and I believe I will definitely find a job in the future. I am very pleased with all the facilities which are very well located, bright and very tidy. Thank you very much for all up to date equipment and pretty fast speed internet. I am grateful that 5E and all the trainers guided me honestly with this programme and I wish all the best for 5E and its learners in the future.

Provision Delivery – Stage 1 (2 weeks) ‘Start Up and Moving Forward’ Module Objectives:

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o me it was not just the warm welcome but also the content of the course that was so valuable and it was delivered so well in such a short time.”

Gia Nguyen

“I have learnt immensely from the course in terms of confidence, motivation, job search and writing my CV with great support from all the friendly trainers. I have felt that I became a different person after completing the 4 week course.”

I HAVE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER

y name is Faye Blackmore. I found the training that I received to be of great help in many ways. It has helped me to be more self- confident. I was quite a shy

“I

’m leaving from here feeling positive and looking forward to finding work in the very near future.”

Faye Blackmore

person and I feel that has changed for the better. I’m leaving from here feeling positive and looking forward to finding work in the very near future.

My trainer Shree is a very knowledgeable person. He knows his stuff. He is always there to help and listen if ever there was a problem. Our coursework was very interesting. I have really enjoyed my 4 weeks in the 5E course and having a good teacher made it even better. The course is run very well and the staff makes you feel welcome. I found the handout given to be very useful for future notes. The facilities are very good. There are two computer rooms and a dining room where you can have your lunch and a catch—up. Over all a friendly place to be.

Life Management – raising awareness of personal and social development opportunities – building belief in capacity to work – updated action planning Confidence and Motivation – progressively increasing activities in managing personal circumstances, overcoming barriers, making realistic decisions to become competitive in the job market – Next Steps

Provision Delivery – Stage 2 (4 weeks) ‘Doing Effective Job Search’ Module Objectives: Clients become workready via progressive development of abilities, skills and confidence to manage personal circumstances and meet employer requirements Action planning updates Effective Job Search to enable Clients to make realistic decisions about reentering the labour market.

5 E L I F E & TI MES

Confidence Boost

delivers Launch Pad, a special programme to motivate single parents as a part of job centre plus support contract. It’s a 4 week classroom based training followed by 4 week voluntary placement.

came to learn cover letter, CV, interview techniques, team building and meet new people. Hope we will stay friends. The teachers are friendly.

hen I came to 5E, I learnt so much and enjoyed the course. Everything was very good. The trainer is friendly, approachable and the sessions are well presented. Shako Lumbila

got help with CV, cover letter and interview techniques. This gave me a lot of confidence and I’m now more prepared to go out and look for jobs.

Kathy Phame

Sheryl Burton

hen I joined 5E, I needed help with job search. The training at 5E boosted my confidence. Meeting new people made me feel ready to go back to work with a better chance of getting a job.”

Charlotte Oppong

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

I gained my confidence back interview date a few days later. I started my work experience that week. I was really excited. During my work experience I never felt like an out sider and was treated equally. Other staff members like Soniya and Tito made me feel welcome and were very supportive and helpful. Shadna Begum enjoying her admin tasks on her work experience at 5E I would like to thank 5E for giving me the opportunity to work and to help gain my confident and experience back.” - Shadna Begum fter having been unemployed for 10 years, my confident was really low and I was finding it hard to get a job so my job centre adviser referred me to A4e (launch pad) at 5E. I was nervous about going to my first meeting but when I got there I was pleasantly surprised. uring my work experience I never felt like an out sider and was I started a 4 week training and my trainer Jenna treated equally. Other staff members helped me a lot and helped bring my confidence back. like Soniya and Tito made me feel welShe taught me how to prepare for interviews. Being out of come and were very supportive and a job for so long I had no work experience but my adviser helpful. “ Jenna said being a lone parent running a family is also an experience. She also knew that I was looking for a job as an Shadna Begum admin assistant and offered me to do work experience at 5E. She sent my CV to the manager and was given an

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Time for Celebrations!

On the last day of Launch Pad, the group celebrated by bringing their traditional cuisines to class for a lunch party followed by games and group discussions.

5 E L I F E & TI MES

I found a job and yet completed my ESOL course

Off to University... … AFTER A LITERACY LEVEL 1 AT 5E

Sandra Jasaityte found employment while on an ESOL course and yet managed to complete the course with help from her tutor who agreed to teach her around her working

andra Jasaityte was sent by job centre to 5E because she needed help with English skills. She started her ESOL course with 5E in August and also did job search once a week. “My teacher Pa mela helped me to look for a job and fill application forms. I managed to get a job after just 8 weeks. I was very happy but also sad because I would not be able to complete the course,” says Sandra. However Pamela realised Sandra’s disappointment and promised to help her complete her course while working.

“M

y teacher was very good and supportive. She told me to come after work to continue my study in the evening sometimes we stayed up to 5:30–6pm.”

Sandra Jasaityte “My teacher was very good and supportive. She told me to come after work to continue my study in the evening sometimes we stayed up to 5:30–6pm,” says Sandra. Pamela also gave her homework to practise more. “Sandra was a very motivated student and I just helped her to achieve her dream of improving English and working,” says Pamela. After 3 weeks Sandra took her exams. “I just received my result that I have passed my ESOL Entry 3 exams. I am very happy and thankful to my teacher for without her support and motivation, I would not have achieved it.“ says an excited Sandra.

5E tutor Pamela helping Sandra with her ESOL around Sandra’s working hours

“M

y name is Vanessa Morrison. I come from France. I came to England in February 2012 and I could not speak English at all. Therefore I decided to learn the language as quickly as possible so that I can integrate into the British society. I was then referred to 5E by the JCP. I was enrolled on the Literacy Level course at 5E Ltd and I started the course in July and I completed the course in September. During my journey at 5E, I learned so much both on a personal and academic level. I was successful in improving my communication within five weeks at 5E. I was very lucky to have one of the best teachers. Thanks to her I learned how to work in a team, how to engage in a group discussion as well as how to write academically. Today, all the skills learned that I have mentioned above are very helpful in my University studies. Presently, in most of my lectures I have to do presentation, group discussions and a lot of academic writing. Furthermore, at 5E, I have also learned how to be confident and I learned a lot about self motivation through my teacher. Last but not the least, I would like to say that 5E has contributed a lot to my success and will contribute to my future. I am presently studying BA Journalism at the University of the Arts London (UAL) and it will last for three years. Today, I am proud of myself due to 5E who has helped me in achieving my long term goal. Thank you 5E and esp. my teacher!”

- Vanessa Morrison

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

5E – what does it stand for?

ndearing ncouraging volutionary xhilarating mpathising

(inspiring, affection and sympathy) (giving confidence and hope) (rise to diversity) (making everyone happy and alive) (understanding individuals feelings) (My perception)

A part of the 5E family: Selvi is now working as an administrator at 5E’s Stratford office.

fter being made redundant in March 2012 – 16 years of employment, my self esteem had deteriorated. The era for the employers had come, they had the upper hand on people like me choosing who was in and those they could disregard. Disillusioned, the next step was to go to Job Centre Plus where I applied for JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) I felt humiliated to be in this situation. During my interview with

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oday I am sitting in one of the 5E offices as an EMPLOYEE sharing my journey from a depressed JSA claimant to an ecstatic employee of 5E.”

Selvanayagi Krishnamurthy, Admin Assistant, 5E Ltd

the JSA advisor, I was approached by a member of staff at 5E who booked an appointment for me to visit the Ilford branch in order for me to improve my skills and gain a qualification to boost my CV for the current employment market. My CV, interview techniques and IT skills were ancient and they needed upgrading, I soon enrolled on the City and Guilds ECDL Level 2 and the Employability which ran for 8 weeks. I was astonished that the course was over and at the end I was leaving with an up to date recognised qualification to put on my CV and the confidence to attend interviews. On the day of signing my exit form to officially say bye to 5E, Bernadette (my ECDL tutor – who I should be indebted to) asked me if I would be interested in volunteering

at the centre. Two days a week I would assist the ESOL teachers. Along with the teachers I also tried to help their students find jobs on the internet and help them to call employers for work. I also assisted in classroom based work. On the fourth week of volunteering a meeting was arranged with Mr Raj Doshi - Managing Director of 5E Ltd. by Anup (my 5E advisor) and Pamela (ESOL Teacher / Manager). Mr Raj Doshi had received good reviews about my competency and wanted to make his own judgement about my work ethics and requested that I volunteer at 5E Selby Centre (Tottenham) for a further few weeks. I happily agreed. Today I am sitting in one of the 5E offices as an EMPLOYEE sharing my journey from a depressed JSA claimant to an ecstatic employee of 5E. I would like to thank all the staff at 5E for helping me back to employment and not forgetting Mr Raj Doshi for giving me the opportunity to work for 5E Ltd.

- Selvanayagi Krishnamurthy

5 E L I F E & TI MES

Jeans for Genes

An annual feature at 5E is the celebration of the Jeans for Genes day where staff wear jeans and raise money for the charity. In 2012, the staff contributed £330.72 and the management added £170.28 with the total contribution amounting to £501 towards Jeans for Genes.

EID PARTY AT ILFORD CENTRE

5 E L I F E & TI M ES

Pre-Interview Research is a MUST The job ad Lots of people forget about the job ad after they've written their CV and cover letter, but this is a big mistake. The job description will include all of the information about what the company is looking for in an employee, and you should make sure you've read it, read it and read it again. They WILL ask you questions based on this. Write a ‘cheat sheet’ of all the ways that your CV matches the role requirements and memorise it before you go. Job interview preparation can mean the difference between success and failure. Research the company Interviewers like it when you can show that you know a bit about the company you want to work for. Knowing nothing at all can really harm your chances. We’re lucky these days as almost every company has its own website where they tell you about their services, their employees, their history and their business. There are also a lot of official social media company sites with extra information. Make sure you know about how the company is structured and where the job sits within it. A little bit of history and what the company is like to work in (and how you’d fit) is a bonus.

Job interview preparation If you’re stressing about your interview then you can help your nerves AND get interview-ready by preparing. It may involve a bit of extra effort but it really can make the difference between getting the job and not… Here are our tips on making sure you get the small details right to make a big impact. Print off your job application And – just in case – print extras for the interviewer. You should take a copy of your application form, cover letter and CV as well as the original job ad so you can read over everything when travelling to the interview. Read and re-read it to make sure you’re confident. If possible, put them in a neat folder as this makes you look super-organised! Plan your journey Whatever you do, do NOT arrive at your job interview late. It is possibly the worst start to a job interview and can immediately make the interviewer take a dislike to you. In fact, almost half of recruiters won’t give a candidate a job if they are more than 10 minutes late for interview – regardless of how well they perform. Practice your interview questions Make sure you are confident answering typical interview questions. You can practice alone or with a friend (bribe them with a cup of tea!) and be ready for unexpected interview questions as they may throw you off balance. Look the part Dress to impress! You should walk in feeling confident and looking smart, but remember to dress comfortably as well. You don’t want to be in discomfort, it may throw you off your answers.

Eating/drinking/smoking It goes without saying that you should NOT drink alcohol before a job interview, even if you just fancy a pint for Dutch courage. They may smell it on you and it can affect your judgement. If you need to eat before the interview then avoid ketchup down the shirt and try to Google the interviewer 'To Google' is now a verb in the dictionary and it’s steer clear of smelly food. Finally, if you are a smoker the easy to see why. Everyone Googles everyone these days smell of smoke can linger on your clothes and create a bad impression. If you can, save it until after the interand there’s nothing to stop you looking into the backview. Thanks Nicorette! ground of your interviewer – if you have been given a name. Just stop short of actual stalking! Mobile phones LinkedIn profiles are probably the best way of Surveys show that having a mobile phone ring learning about their work history and getting an idea during an interview – or, worse, answering a mobile about what kind of person they are. It’s even better if phone during an interview – is a common reason for emthey have a blog. And don't forget, you can Google the ployers to say a big fat NO to candidates. It’s common interviewer but the interviewer can also Google you. Be sense but you’d be surprised how many people forget. sure to check your social media 'footprint' and change Avoid that AWKWARD moment by turning off your phone. privacy settings as necessary! Contributed by: Soniya Akthar, Adviser, 5E Ltd

5E LIFE & TIMES

Mike Meyers-the IT industry’s leading A+ certification authority and instructor--delivers a special lecture at 5E at Selby Centre on CompTIA's A+ Certification. His book on the subject is a must have reference guide called A plus and contains essential material to prepare you for both the Core Hardware and Operating System Technologies exams. Mike met learners at 5E, answered their queries and motivated them. 5 E L I FE & T I M E S

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