When Adnan came to England to get married in mid-2005, he could speak very little English and had no UK qualifications. He had worked as a lab assistant in Pakistan, and wanted to find work in the health sector. Nearly two years on, he is now well on his way there.
Adnan was part of a group of 16 Muslim men who attended a MyTime self-esteem and confidence building course at a learning centre next to a Birmingham Mosque. The course had particular emphasis on employment opportunities within the health and social care sector.
Despite struggling with his English and his self-esteem, he completed OCN accredited course “Men in Health” at Level 2. Through the course he was able to become a volunteer at Heartlands Hospital, whilst also achieving a Level 2 ESOL in literacy and numeracy. Within a year of studying, he was appointed as a support care work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Although he works full time he is studying to become a qualified counsellor. He also acts as an ambassador to promote MyTime courses to other men in the community.
Michael Lilley of MyTime Ltd says: “Adnan is a young Muslim man living in Birmingham at a time of prejudice and discrimination towards the Muslim community. He has overcome shyness and language to achieve his ambition”.
Adnan says: “I am still learning and need to improve particularly written work, but continuing study is helping me. Learning has helped me find a job and continuing means a better job in the future. I can also help others…I want others to benefit the way I have.”