My journey to employment

 Life Skills student Hayley Gower tells her story about reaching her longstanding goal…

My name is Hayley Gower. I am 40 years old and I have been living in Wolverhampton since 2005. I come originally from South Croydon. Twenty years ago, I embarked on my journey as a volunteer, starting with the Baby Blues Appeal charity, driven by a desire to contribute to charity initiatives. Helping out with charity research and giving resources to people in our community is really important to me. My dedication led me to the British Heart Foundation in 2007, where I gradually increased my involvement over the years. Heart problems are common in my family, so I'm committed to helping with this cause.

Recently, an opportunity arose for a paid position as a sales assistant, a role I pursued with the encouragement of the assistant manager. After a successful interview, I secured the job, marking a significant milestone in my journey. Working sixteen hours per week, I find myself on the shop floor, operating the till, steaming clothes, assessing item condition, assisting customers, and handling phone inquiries.

Reflecting on my employment history, my last paid position dates back to 2014 when I worked a few hours only for a short time as a cleaner, aiding with laundry duties in a care home. The transition from volunteer to paid employee fills me with immense pride, signifying the realisation of a long-standing goal.

My journey at AEW has been instrumental in strengthening my confidence. Prior to enrolling, I lacked confidence, had low self-esteem and doubted my abilities. However, through various courses such as Art and Crafts with Beth, English lessons with Juliette, cooking and Arts and Crafts courses with Cécile, I've discovered new found confidence. I am also on a waiting list for a maths course. I've come to realise that with determination, I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.