I know I’m worth it now: growing confidence and a career with Drive Forward.

My name is Sammy. I’ve just completed my Level 3 Business Admin apprenticeship at QTS and have recently secured a permanent role at QTS as the Core Administration Officer!

I was first introduced to Drive Forward by a job coach. I was doing the Civil Service Internship at this time. While participating in the Internship, Rachel from Drive Forward connected me with a mentor in the Civil Service. This support was so useful because, at the start, I was scared because it was my first office job. Even the thought of replying to emails was daunting. Having a mentor was amazing, I could ask them anything and they would reassure me.

The Civil Service internship helped me realise I needed a role with more human interaction, though I wasn’t sure exactly what that role might be. After completing the internship, I began working with Monique (my first Career Specialist at Drive Forward).

Since joining Drive Forward, my communication and confidence have gone up. When I used to enter a room, I used to keep myself to myself and just wait until my Career Specialist was ready to see me. But now it’s very different. I can take up the space that I want to take. I know I am worth it now. I understand that my life isn’t defined by what I do or what I know.
I’m worth it as I am.

With her support, I secured a position as a sales assistant at Heathrow. During this role, I realised that I wanted something different career-wise, so we continued working together to find the right fit.

When personal issues forced me to leave my Heathrow position, Monique was an incredible source of support. She opened my eyes to the different jobs out there. It was her little push of understanding that I wanted to be doing something that made a difference and help in some way. She was one of the first people to point it out. And even though I knew it inside, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until she mentioned it. It made sense when she put it together. She helped me to understand that whatever career path I choose, as long as I am happy with it, that is what matters.

When I was ready again, Monique shared an NHS QTS opportunity with me. Although I interviewed but didn’t get the role initially, they liked me enough to consider me for another position three months later.

Monique helped me with this and the preparation, especially the question ‘tell me about yourself’. Together we created the best answer that I have ever given to anyone. I should have recorded it. I loved the answer and my interview.

As soon as I finished my interview, I was grinning and I felt confident. I called Monique, and I told her, “I did amazing, and I think I am going to get it. And even if I don’t, it was such an amazing interview”. And the next day Monique called, and she said: “You got the job!!”. It was a long process for me to get the pre-employment checks and references. Drive Forward helped me with the references, as it can be hard as a care leaver to get a character reference. Drive Forward even gave me vouchers to travel because payday wasn’t until the end of the month. It was nice to have that ongoing support even though I had got the job and started the job. I knew if something wasn’t okay, I had a whole organisation to rely on.

Now, I work with Ahmed, my current Career Specialist. I call him to share good news, and we prepare for interviews together. It’s so nice to share with someone who is happy to hear my news.

If I could give advice to other care-experienced young people about joining Drive Forward, it would be that they’re there to help you. You might not know that you need the help, but they are experienced in helping. I think this matters because I didn’t know help was available. I didn’t even know that I needed help.

“They are amazing professionals, and I wouldn’t be where I am without Drive Forward. To anyone, I would say just join.”