A success story
Get Set for breaking barriers.
The Right Step into Work programme helps participants secure employment with APA Stewarding and Events.
Right Step into Work | 18 June 2025
Get Set for breaking barriers. The Right Step into Work programme helps participants secure employment with APA Stewarding and Events.
Four individuals. Four different journeys. One shared success.
Following our recent stewarding employer workshop, Gerard, Najib, Robert and Sonia, participants of the Right Step into Work programme that Get Set UK delivers on behalf of London Borough of Waltham Forest Council, have all secured roles with APA Stewarding & Events.
With the help of their Employment Advisor, Faizan Nasir and Recruitment Consultant Arfan Akhtar, this is a fantastic outcome that showcases what committed, people-focused support can achieve.
👇 Read their experiences below
A big thank you to our Walthamstow and ERM team for making this happen. These stories prove that with the right support, every barrier can become a stepping stone.
Find out more about the Right Step into Work programme here
Get Set for a better tomorrow, Get Set UK.
Gerard had just left prison and was struggling to secure work despite his previous customer service experience. With tailored CV support, mock interviews, and honest coaching around punctuality and mindset, he turned things around and is now proudly selecting his first shifts.
“I had no plans or ideas about anything but when I had my first meeting with the team, it was a good sign. Faizan supported me in a way I didn’t think he was going to. He made me think about my life and what I was going to do with it. I appreciate him so much. He helped me with my time management and how to be formal in my speaking. Everything Faizan showed me is helpful in life, and I have started applying it.”
Gerard Mulimbi
Right Step into Work participant
Najib, a PhD-qualified former lecturer, faced nearly two years of rejection in the UK job market. Through mindset coaching, targeted CV work, and encouragement to explore new paths, he has now re-entered the workforce with renewed confidence.
“I would like to thank you for the time, effort, and dedication you have shown in supporting me through my job search. Before being referred to Get Set UK, I was looking for work opportunities but facing challenges in securing a suitable role. Your consistent guidance, encouragement, and follow-ups gave me the direction and motivation I needed and made a significant difference. Faizan supported me in applying for jobs and gave me confidence in starting my career. His guidance eased the challenges of finding my first role in the UK and
reassured me that the journey, while demanding, is achievable. Your work is truly appreciated, and I believe it reflects the positive impact the Waltham Forest Council brings to the community.”
Najib Ahmed
Right Step into Work participant
Robert, a civil engineer with a master’s degree, lost faith after consistent rejections. A call from Faizan refocused his approach from job searching to discussing his wellbeing. Encouraging him to change his mindset, they discussed his transferable skills, leading him to embrace a new opportunity and rebuild his career momentum.
“Faizan offered me support in securing a position with APA Stewarding and also many applications that I’ve done with him so far for various roles. He reviewed my CV, highlighting my work experience and making it look more professional. He also helped me with applying for jobs on my own. He is a definite professional within his job, and I wish him well!”
Robert Ruxandu
Right Step into Work participant
Sonia, new to the UK with no formal experience or qualifications, was eager to work but limited by childcare, securing flexible employment was a priority for her. Faizan supported her in setting up accounts on job platforms and helped her navigate these apps. Discussing the benefits of gaining work experience to find a role, they explored the stewarding opportunity that fits her schedule, opening doors to future qualifications and growth.
“I was referred to Get Set UK to upskill myself as I had no prior work experience or qualifications to allow me to start work in the UK. My main concern was a flexible job that worked around childcare. It’s been difficult to enrol on courses and find work because of this. Faizan reached out to me every week, sending me different jobs that were available. I felt supported with his approach and I realised there is a lot of professional development that I can achieve. As well as developing my CV, Faizan helped me with acquiring the necessary Right-to-Work documents. I want to gain valuable work experience in my new role as this will benefit my professional development and help me to improve my English.”
Sonia Boughazi
Right Step into Work participant
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