A Shining Example of Determination and Dedication: Khalid's Job Success

FareShare Midlands first met Khalid at the Villa Park Job Fair on 7th August 2024. Following a positive initial conversation about his goals and career interests, Khalid enrolled in our employability programme and attended his registration session the following week.

At the time, Khalid had recently completed a Level 3 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring and was eager to transition into paid employment within the UK. Since arriving from Eritrea in February 2022, he had not yet gained work experience in the UK and was actively seeking full-time job opportunities.

In early discussions, Khalid expressed a strong interest in coaching and mentoring roles. To help him gain experience and build confidence, our team explored suitable volunteering opportunities, particularly in administrative positions. We also referred him to Suited for Success, where he received tailored interview preparation support, including guidance on how UK interview practices might differ from those in his home country.

Khalid also engaged with our wellbeing programme, participating in sessions based on the Five Steps to Wellbeing:

Connect – Building positive relationships and social networks
Be Active – Using physical activity to support mental health
Take Notice – Practising mindfulness and self-awareness
Keep Learning – Gaining new skills for confidence and self-growth
Give – Volunteering and giving back to increase purpose

He became a regular attendee at our weekly Job Club, where he consistently applied for roles that aligned with his coaching qualifications. Through one-to-one mentoring, he shared a growing interest in roles similar to those of our Employability Coaches. However, a lack of UK-based work experience proved a recurring barrier, with employers frequently citing it as a reason for unsuccessful applications.

To help bridge this gap, FareShare Midlands reached out to the Pure team to request permission for Khalid to join us as a Trainee Employability Administrator, supporting our non-Pure-funded programmes. The request was approved, and Khalid began his voluntary placement on 18th November 2024, with an initial contract through to 10th February 2025.

During this period, Khalid made significant progress, fully engaging in a structured development plan aimed at preparing him for a future in Employability Coaching. He successfully met all learning objectives, including:

Taking initiative and working independently
Contributing actively in team meetings and with stakeholders
Shadowing Employability Coaches and gradually leading engagement tasks
Researching local labour market trends and contacting employers to explore opportunities

Recognising his commitment and continued growth, we extended Khalid’s placement through our Root2Rise Employability Programme. In this advanced phase, Khalid played a pivotal role in supporting programme participants in achieving their Level 2 Health & Safety and Food Hygiene qualifications, as well as securing Forklift Truck Licences. He provided CV support, helped clients prepare for interviews, and offered valuable guidance drawn from his own experiences.

On 4th July 2025, Khalid concluded his time with FareShare Midlands, having secured a new role as an Intervention Worker at Trident. His progression is a shining example of how structured employability support, hands-on experience, and a resilient mindset can lead to meaningful employment and long-term career success.

FareShare Midlands is incredibly proud of Khalid’s achievements and wishes him continued success in this next chapter of his journey!