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My name is Samira. I completed a level 2 apprenticeship at Ealing Council.
Before becoming an apprentice, I worked at Heathrow Airport. I left this job to look after my young three children at the time. I then had a few temporary jobs. However, I wanted to do something more for myself and my children.
At the beginning of 2018 I started looking for something more permanent. I came across an apprenticeship at Ealing Council. I thought I might not qualify because of my age, but I was glad to find out that apprenticeships are open to people of any age once they reach 16. I had more caring responsibilities – a sick mother-in-law and a disabled brother-in-law. With a lot of support from my family I took the courage and applied for the apprenticeship.
Even though I didn’t get the apprenticeship role I initially applied for, I did get another one in Ealing Council’s planning department. I was a bit scared because I knew nothing about planning. My managers were brilliant and guided me through the apprenticeship. Also, my tutor at Hawk Training was very supportive. I got through all my qualifications and I passed all my exams, which made me feel confident about myself.
This is my second year of being a planning validation officer. I’m grateful to the apprenticeship team, my managers, my tutor and my family for giving me this opportunity. It’s never too late to follow your dreams and build your future.