More than words - Sardar’s story

When Sardar joined the Restart Scheme, his limited English skills affected his confidence and ability to pursue job opportunities. Committed to improving, he enrolled in an ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and attended classes four days a week, consistently demonstrating dedication and resilience.

Sardar met with his Employment Adviser, Harry, who identified his skills, experiences, and job goals. Harry shared: “Despite his busy schedule, Sardar remained committed to his development. He even attended additional support sessions on his only day off from college, demonstrating his strong work ethic and determination to succeed.”

The Restart Scheme is committed to helping participants achieve long-term success, providing ongoing support to help them sustain employment, develop their skills, and progress in their careers.

Sardar continued to attend in-house sessions with the Restart Scheme alongside his appointments with Harry, to build his confidence in job searching, applications and how to tailor his CV to specific roles. Harry told us:

“We worked together to find a role that complemented Sardar’s studies and supported his language development. His hard work paid off when he secured a position at a local supermarket, enabling him to gain valuable experience while balancing work and college.”

The Restart Scheme's support continues beyond securing a job, with tailored guidance and regular check-ins to help participants settle into employment, overcome challenges, and build the skills and confidence needed to sustain long-term employment.

“Since starting his job, Sardar’s confidence has grown significantly”, said Harry. “Sardar is gaining practical workplace experience, improving his communication skills, and building a strong foundation for his future career. From starting with very little English to managing both employment and education, his progress is something to be proud of, and an inspiration to others on similar paths.

“In Sardar’s first appointment we used a translator in his last one just a few months later, we did not need to use one!”