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.

Five individuals. Five different journeys. One shared success.

Following our recent stewarding employer workshop, Gerard, Najib, Robert, Sonia, and Zahir, 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

Zahir, had 10+ years of experience in security; however, the loss of his SIA licence, resulting in a criminal record, had impacted his ability to find employment in the security sector. Through encouragement, a CV that reflected his transferable skills, and consistent job search support, Faizan suggested a stewarding position which would allow him to re-enter the workforce, regain his confidence and start fresh in a sector he knows well.

“I was very nervous before my referral to Get Set UK, but Faizan was outstanding. I thought he was just another job coach, and the chances of getting a job were quite slim. As our meetings progressed, I grew more confident and actually thought that I would achieve my goals. Faizan chased every lead and updated me on my progress. The most important thing was not his professionalism, his outstanding communication or his efforts. It was the fact that he treated me like a human being and not someone who was just another body sent to his desk. Thank you also to Arfan. His professionalism was outstanding, and his knowledge of every procedure to get the job done is second to none. I could see that this was not just a job to Faizan and Arfan with the way they treated every single person with respect, whether it was a client or a colleague. With their combined efforts, I have secured employment with APA Events and Stewarding.”

Zahir Ilyas
Right Step into Work participant

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