Our Hackney-based ESOL for Work programme welcomes two cohorts of English learners each year for a 12-month programme of ESOL courses, targeted employability workshops around important skills like CV writing and interview techniques, as well as transferable leadership skills including public speaking and negotiation.
In the past, partners from organisations like the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and Work Rights Centre have also delivered workers’ rights workshops for the cohorts, so that participants can negotiate fair working conditions.
We also support beneficiaries to participate in important workers’ rights campaigns, including the Lift the Ban campaign calling for people seeking asylum to be allowed to work while they await decisions on their refugee status.
Currently, our ESOL for Work cohorts, with the support of EFA teacher-organiser Anne, are collaborating with partners at ELATT and the East End Trades Guild to develop a local work placement programme for English learners from migrant backgrounds.
In 2022, 98 beneficiaries moved into new work, further or higher education, or apprenticeships, with a further 98 earning qualifications they can use in education or work.
We’re grateful to the West Hackney Parochial Charity and Hackney Council for their support of this work.
