Success Stories
Daria
Shalina
Shalina
Daria arrived from Ukraine in the Summer of 2022. She had limited work experience due to her age and wasn’t very confident with her English skills. She was very keen to find work but wasn’t sure how or where to start looking for work.
Daria was referred to the Hospitality Academy delivered by Triage in October 2022. Triage explained to D
Daria arrived from Ukraine in the Summer of 2022. She had limited work experience due to her age and wasn’t very confident with her English skills. She was very keen to find work but wasn’t sure how or where to start looking for work.
Daria was referred to the Hospitality Academy delivered by Triage in October 2022. Triage explained to Daria about the course and what she would gain from completing the World Host Customer Service Qualification and helped Daria prepare for an interview with Edinburgh University's Hospitality Department.
Daria completed the course and was offered a Catering Staff position with Edinburgh University after her successful interview.
Shalina
Shalina
Shalina
Shalina is from Bangladesh and moved to Edinburgh in 2016. Shalina had never worked and found it “impossible” to find a job. Shalina has a young family and moving into work was something she wanted and needed for herself and her family, however, faced a few challenges due to having little to no IT skills, no relevant qualifications, and h
Shalina is from Bangladesh and moved to Edinburgh in 2016. Shalina had never worked and found it “impossible” to find a job. Shalina has a young family and moving into work was something she wanted and needed for herself and her family, however, faced a few challenges due to having little to no IT skills, no relevant qualifications, and having English as an additional language. The barriers made job searching difficult for Shalina.
Shalina attended our Early Learning and Childcare Academy delivered by Direct Partners in August 2022. During this course, Shalina learned about all aspects of Play and the role of a childcare worker. Shalina achieved her SQA NQ Process of Play, SQA Personal Development qualifications as well as completing other relevant online learning modules (developing those IT skills!). Shalina also received support to prepare for her guaranteed employer interview.
Following a successful interview and short work placement, Shalina was offered a bank staff role with Spring Oscars to see how she would settle in and manage family commitments. After only working for 6 weeks, Shalina did so well that she was offered a permanent contract with committed hours each week.
Shalina has now signed up for an SVQ3 Social Services Children and Young People Modern Apprenticeship programme with Direct Partners.
Joseph
Shalina
Joseph
Joseph, a mature client in his early 60s, with experience working in the security sector. However, after a prolonged period of unemployment and the cessation of his SIA license, he found himself uncertain about his ability to re-enter his preferred line of work. Facing a significant employment gap, coupled with low self-esteem and menta
Joseph, a mature client in his early 60s, with experience working in the security sector. However, after a prolonged period of unemployment and the cessation of his SIA license, he found himself uncertain about his ability to re-enter his preferred line of work. Facing a significant employment gap, coupled with low self-esteem and mental health challenges, Joseph was concerned that his age and lack of recent experience would prevent him from securing a job in security again. He was engaged with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and receiving welfare benefits when he was introduced to the VTF.
Through DWP’s referral, Joseph enrolled in the VTF program, which provided targeted training in employability skills and preparation for the Security Industry Authority (SIA) exam. Despite his initial doubts, the structured training and support helped him gradually regain his confidence. The training provider worked closely with Joseph, ensuring he had access to up-to-date security knowledge and practical skills essential for passing his SIA exam.
With dedication and the tailored support of the training team, Joseph successfully passed his SIA exam on his first attempt—a major milestone that significantly boosted his morale. Following his exam, VTF continued to support Joseph through the complex process of applying for his SIA badge, ensuring he navigated the intricate vetting requirements effectively.
Once Joseph obtained his SIA badge, VTF connected him with a recruiting employer, JSL Services Ltd. Recognising the importance of preparation, VTF provided Joseph with interview coaching, a CV update, and job application guidance. With renewed confidence and thorough preparation, Joseph attended an interview with JSL Services Ltd., impressing the hiring team and securing a job offer.
Since starting his position as a Security Officer in September 2024, Joseph has been excelling in his role. VTF has maintained contact with him, ensuring he continues to progress and feel supported in his employment journey. Joseph has expressed deep gratitude for the training and assistance he received, acknowledging that without the opportunity and support from VTF, he would have struggled to re-engage with employment.
Joseph’s story is a testament to how tailored training, confidence-building, and structured employability support can help individuals overcome barriers and successfully return to the workforce. His journey highlights the transformative impact of programs like VTF in empowering individuals to reclaim their careers and thrive in their chosen professions.