Pictured above: (l-r) Working Links consultant Mindy Scott
and Aneesa Kara outside the Nottingham Council building
Nottingham lady Aneesa Kara has always wanted to teach English
to children in Cambodia. But with no job and very little money to
call on, her dream was on hold - until she found help from
employment specialists Working Links.
When Aneesa, of Forest Fields walked through the doors at
Working Links' Nottingham office she was pessimistic about her
chances of reaching her ambition. But with the help of consultant
Mindy Scott, who had herself visited Cambodia several years ago,
Aneesa would get right on track.
They discussed her career options and decided that although a
long term goal, Aneesa needed a job to help her save up for her
move. And after several job options, Aneesa applied for and was
successful with the role of administrator at the Asian Women's
Association in Nottingham.
Aneesa was so successful in her new role that within weeks her
Manager Parveen Mirza promoted her to Head of Administration. And
in addition Parveen has encouraged Aneesa to study and take her
PETALS (People Exploring Teaching And Learning Styles) tutor
qualifications helping towards her Cambodian goal.
Aneesa said: "I really did think that no one would take my dream
seriously. But right from the start Mindy gave me the support that
I needed breaking down my work journey into manageable
goals.
"I am not only currently doing a job I thoroughly enjoy but am
also doing the training I need to help me teach English. Cambodia
is my longer term strategy for 2011."
Aneesa's great news comes as Working Links celebrates helping
more than 1500 people back into work since the start of their
return to work programme which started in May 2009. The programme
helps unemployed people upskill and return to work. During the life
of the programme, the Working Links team aim to engage with 19,000
unemployed people, of which 4,500 will be supported back into work
across Nottingham city and the county.
For more information on Working Links please visit their website
here: www.workinglinks.co.uk