Pictured above: Anna Wiewiora
A Polish woman has overcome the language barrier to gain work
and qualifications, after working with Shropshire training
provider, County Training.
Anna Wiewiora, aged 27, came to England in 2005, keen to work in
childcare. Anna said "I had always wanted to work with children and
when I came to England I found a job as an aupair for a local
family for 12 months which helped me to gain some experience in
this area."
Wishing to gain further work experience and qualifications in
childcare, she began working voluntarily at a local Nursery in
Shrewsbury. In September 2008, Anna approached County Training,
part of Shropshire Council, interested in doing a Certificate in
Children's Care, Learning and Development Level 3.
Anna had previously studied English for 4 years at degree level
before moving to England to enable her to be able to speak
fluently. Anna went on to complete her qualification in September
2009. Stella Cank, Childcare Assessor and Tutor at County Training
commented "Anna worked really hard to translate her work to enable
her to be able to understand and complete it . She never complained
about all the hard work and presents herself as a success story for
anyone else whose first language is not English wishing to pursue a
career in Childcare."
Anna commented "I found it really challenging doing my NVQ, and
have learnt not only skills in the childcare sector but have also
developed my English language skills even further. County Training
supported me to achieve my ambition, which really helped to
motivate me. I now work in full-time paid employment at ABC Day
Nursery in Telford."
Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and
Leisure, commented "Completing an NVQ in a different language can
be extremely difficult. Anna's achievement is a great example of
the support that County Training provides, and demonstrates that
with motivation and enthusiasm to learn, even the most challenging
goals can be acheived."
County Training currently has funding for 16 - 18 year olds
wishing to complete an NVQ through the apprenticeship programme. If
you are interested in doing an NVQ or would like to develop your
English speaking skills, contact County Training on 01743 255191
for further information.