From ESOL to employment: Two Ukrainian students share their progress and success

Two students from Ukraine highlight how key skills from Capital City College’s ESOL courses support learners into work.

Moving to a new country and finding work in another language can be a difficult task. Tetiana and Alex, a couple who came to the UK from Ukraine, started their ESOL journey with Capital City College (CCC) at the Tottenham campus in Autumn 2023 and have both successfully progressed into employment.

Alex completed Level 1 ESOL Speaking and Listening, while Tetiana went from ESOL Pathway to Entry 3 courses in Speaking, Listening, and Reading to ESOL Level 1 Skills for Life courses in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, and also completed a Multiply course.

We caught up with Tetiana and Alex to find out about their ESOL experiences and to discover how their time at the college has opened doors to new opportunities.

Why did you choose to study at Capital City College?

Tetiana: Capital City College has an excellent reputation and top ranking in our local district. From first contact we got professional guidance, and the registration process was smooth, efficient and stress-free. Also, the college has a great location and is not far from my home.

What did you like about the college environment?

Alex: We liked the welcoming atmosphere and the single student account gives easy access to the knowledge base and makes communications between students and tutors practical and effective. Everything you need is in the college library, and the classrooms have some good technical features.

What did you like about your courses?

Alex: ESOL courses are a great opportunity for people of different ages who have just come to the UK to get English skills. We really liked the high proficiency level of tutors, and there was a nice planned structure and enough interactive parts to the programme. 

Tetiana: The flexible schedule made it easy to work while studying. Also, the real-life focus of the teaching helped me to become more confident, especially for situations like interviews and negotiations. 

What was the highlight of your college experience?

Tetiana: I liked learning in a multicultural environment, as it helped me to understand and appreciate different accents. The Reading Ahead Challenge was really helpful, and was an interesting and engaging way to improve my reading skills.

What did you find challenging about the course?

Tetiana: The exams were the most challenging for me, but they are a necessary stage of studying.

How did the teachers and other college staff support you during your course?

Alex: The teachers are true professionals. They delivered the course material clearly and effectively, and they prepared us thoroughly for the exams. It’s a huge plus that organisational issues can be resolved quickly with the college staff and management, who are always willing to help. Special appreciation goes to Kamila, an exceptional instructor and an effective manager.

What are you doing now?

Tetiana: I’m working in the Finance Department of a Secondary School as a Finance Assistant. Alex: I initially started work as a manager at a leisure centre but I am now working for DCK Construction as an Estimating and Quantity Surveyor Assistant.

How did completing your course support you in getting your current role?

Tetiana: The communication and language skills we picked up were key. They helped us complete our interviews and get jobs, and now they’re helping us successfully handle all our responsibilities in an English-speaking workplace. We’re now looking forward to developing our skills and growing in our chosen fields.

Share!