At the Foundation, witnessing the success of our students brings us immense joy. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Catalina back to complete work experience as part of her ongoing business college course, a path she followed after her time with the Foundation.
Throughout the week, Catalina contributed valuable support to the education, fundraising, and marketing departments, completing various tasks with skill and dedication.
We took the opportunity to sit down with Catalina and reflect on her experiences during the Engage+ programme, a collaborative initiative with Northampton College which aims to provide additional learning support for young individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to avoid the risk of being not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
How was your experience during your time on the Engage+ programme?
Thanks to the people I met during this programme, I enjoyed everything I was doing, despite the fact that I was struggling with adaptation to the UK. Being surrounded by so many amazing people made me adapt easier and it made me feel like home.
What did you enjoy most and why?
This environment was totally new for me. I loved how patient, engaging and emphatic my teacher was, and how he made me enjoy what I was doing. I enjoyed learning new things and doing work experience here.
What areas did the programme assist you in?
The programme helped me gain more confidence and cross the language barrier I felt I had. It helped me make new friends and socialise more. Also, it opened new opportunities for me because after I finished, I was able to progress on a level 2 course at college. The things I’ve learned here helped me after on the course I was doing.
Since departing from the Foundation, what activities have you engaged in, and what are your upcoming plans?
After I left the Foundation, I did travel and tourism level 2 at Northampton College and I successfully passed the course. Now I decided to do a business course and came back here for work experience. In the future I would like to continue my education and go to university.
What advice or thoughts would you share with individuals considering joining the Engage+ programme?
Joining the Engage+ programme was the best experience for me. I encourage everyone looking to join this programme to do it. You will get the opportunity to work on the things you struggle while being supported by so many amazing people and you will get so many opportunities.
Are you, or someone you know looking to gain qualifications and work experience to become work ready? Get in touch! Click here or speak to a representative from Northampton College.
