Zulfira Namaji wanted a change of career and was interested in working for the NHS.

Having worked in a textile factory for a while, Zulfira felt that she needed a change. Through the Job Centre she found out about the City Skills Centre’s University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) course.

Zulfira was familiar with Leicester College, having taken courses there previously, so was comfortable starting the four-week programme at the City Skills Centre. The course aims to equip people with the right qualifications and support for applying for current UHL and wider NHS vacancies in business administration, health care, customer services, catering, and cleaning.

Zulfira says: “The course has really helped me. I’ve learned a lot of things and it’s given me more confidence.

“Not being from this country and not having been educated in this country was hard but Leicester College has brought me to the place I need to be. I have realised that it wasn’t too late for me to get to where I am today.”

Before completing the City Skills/UHL course, Zulfira worked in a factory in fashion design after doing a pattern cutting course at Leicester College. After Covid she decided that she wanted a change.

“I wanted to work for the NHS and felt that this course was the best place for me to start.”

Zulfira has completed the course now and is looking forward to starting a new job as a health care assistant.

“I’ve recently been successful in applying for a job as a maternity care assistant and will soon be starting at Leicester General Hospital. I am looking forward to starting work with the NHS and know that there could be lots of opportunities there in the future.”

Studying at Leicester College has given Zulfira more than just qualifications. She commented: “The best thing I have gained from studying at Leicester College is increased confidence, which I was lacking before. Previously I had only experienced Indian environment and culture but Leicester College is so diverse I was able to mix with other people and cultures and encouraged to work to be whatever I wanted to be.”