News: ESOL students explore future careers

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A room full of people at an event talking to each other and visiting the various booths giving information

Nearly 500 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students from Nottingham College explored further study and careers, at a progression event held at the College’s Maid Marian Way campus on 29 April.

The students were a mixture of 16 – 18 year-olds on full-time courses, and mature students on part-time courses, but all have the common goal of improving their English language skills and planning for their future.

The students found out about a huge range of courses, apprenticeships, and future careers, and staff were on hand to offer ‘have-a-go’ activities.

Seventeen-year-old ESOL student Fatou Nguer moved to the UK from Italy with her family a couple of years ago. Now living in Aspley, Fatou knows her way around a computer and aspires to work in IT, first as an assistant and then working her way up to becoming a manager.

Student smiling in front of a computing banner — Fatou Nguer

At this event they tell you everything you want to know about courses. They explained everything to me, and they said I could even maybe be a teacher in the future.
— Fatou Nguer

Fatou has some advice for people thinking of taking up an ESOL course at Nottingham College:

Don’t be nervous, be confident, as you will make new friends and they will help you.
— Fatou Nguer

Fellow student Meer Azad is from Kurdistan, and now lives in Mapperley. Meer is completing a full-time ESOL course and is keen to work in fitness in the future. He found out about a range of Sport courses at the event.

Staff member smiling in a picture — Meer Azad

I want to become a personal trainer, and I’ve learned a lot at Nottingham College. I have been improving my English, Maths and ICT skills. I’m very happy here.
— Meer Azad

Collins Osafo is originally from Italy, and now lives in New Basford.

person smiling at a college event — Collins Osafo

The event can help you choose what you would like to do, if you’re not sure what to do for your future job. My ESOL tutor is nice, he helps you, and I’m interested in engineering in the future.
— Collins Osafo

Dana Hamid is originally from Kurdistan. The 38-year-old now lives in Sneinton and is completing a part-time Level 1 ESOL course at the moment. He has experience of working in civil engineering, and is working to improve his English with his long-term goal being to go to university and develop a career in surveying.

student smiling at a college event — Dana Hamid

Before I came to the College my English was not good and now it is better. I have met friends from many countries, and the teachers treat you well. They speak to you like a friend. The Progression event is good because I’ve found out about many courses. You can find a course that is to do with your interests, like engineering and construction for me.
— Dana Hamid

Rachel Wadsworth is the Head of Faculty overseeing ESOL at Nottingham College.

Rachel said: “It was a fantastic day for our ESOL students. From taking part in Hair and Beauty activities, to receiving expert advice about careers in Science, it really opened up their eyes to the range of possibilities ahead of them.”

Rachel added: “It can be very daunting to consider coming to College when English isn’t your first language. This type of event, when combined with English lessons, can help to break down any barriers to success.”