Success stories
It’s never too late for a new career! David is now in his “dream job” at the age of 53. I asked him to tell me his story:
“Prior to attending Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College (QEFTC), I was unemployed, having had to leave my job for medical reasons. I’m visually impaired, and I’d had a further problem with my sight. Although I was able to sort that out with the help of Moorfields Eye Hospital, I didn’t want to continue in my previous field of work, i.e. the motor industry. I went to the RNIB Training Centre in Loughborough and did Business Studies, and IT, but I still wasn’t able to find a job that would utilise my previous skills. So, instead of wasting my time I did various voluntary work, including some whilst on vacation overseas, but still I needed to find gainful employment”.
“I requested further training, and was introduced to QEFTC by my local DEA. I attended an Open Day at the College, and was very impressed by the range of courses on offer. I was very interested in the Travel Services course, and having spoken at length to the instructor, Beverley, who I found to be both very knowledgeable and very helpful, I had no hesitation, and decided that was the course for me. I applied as soon as I could with my local DEA, and the rest is history”.
“I found my time at QEFTC to be interesting, rewarding, and a real environment both for learning, and for mixing with others, who, like myself, had disabilities . It was easy to relate to fellow students, albeit that most were half my age. It was by no means all study! At weekends, when at college, we had days out, trips to London, Brighton, and many other interesting places, too many to mention. There were also many organised activities during the week, after the day’s studies. So, you think it’s all work and no play? Think again! Of course, the main reason for attending QETC is to retrain, and a vast amount of training is available. Just look at the prospectus. Or do as I did and ask your local DEA. You never know what you can achieve unless you try?
“From my side I would recommend QETC and all that it has to offer . It is by no means a holiday camp, but if you do try and make the effort, which I can assure you that you will have to do, then the sky is the limit! I found the studies hard, but the rewards can be great. It wasn’t just down to my efforts, but also through the supreme efforts of my section tutors. Their dedication, patience, and above all their knowledge and skills empowered me to move on to bigger and better things”.
“I was lucky enough to have several options for my work placement , and I chose The Flight Centre, a company based in London. They specialise in selling holidays and flights. The placement went well, and although I wasn’t offered employment, it was a very good learning curve. The staff treated me as a member of the team, and I was able to gain a lot of knowledge about the workings of that type of organisation, which I’ve been able to use in my present job”.
“I now have my dream job, working with people! I’m currently employed by Penaullie Servisair at London Heathrow Airport, as a Special Services Agent. I’m not a check-in agent - I deal with VIP'S, escorting minors to and from the aircrafts, checking tickets, queue combing, baggage handling, and any other operational duties required. I really enjoy my work, and although it is not highly paid, it does have many compensations. I’ve completed my training and passed with flying colours, and I’ve also just completed my 6 months probationary period with good feedback as well. So, all in all, I’m very happy. I hope to continue to work with the present company until I feel that it is time to change to another for progression in my new career”.
“I went to the College with an open mind, and I left with qualifications, a placement, and I am now in full time employment. I have a lasting memory of what can be achieved”. Thank you for all the assistance that made it possible for me to be in the position I am today”.
