Success Story - Marelena Webber
Marelena Webber, originally from Poland, moved to the UK in November last year. Alone, and in unfamiliar territory, Marelena was unsure where to turn.

In Poland, Marelena had a successful career as a broadcast journalist but quickly realised that getting her career off the ground in the UK was not going to be easy. Marelena turned to Learning Links Europe for help and they introduced her to the SkillsWork project.

Marelena was able to discuss her options with a Polish speaking advisor who provided information, advice and guidance on her career options and the training available to her.

An initial assessment and a skillscheck highlighted the need to improve Marelena’s English skills and she was enrolled on to learndirect’s ESOL courses and encouraged to attend speaking and listening classes and the company’s Lynnwood centre.

Marelena comments: “From the word go the SkillsWork team were very helpful. Having a Polish speaker on the team was a real bonus in the beginning but the whole team are so friendly I know I can get help if I need it.”

Although Marelena had a CV, the SkillsWork team encouraged her to attend one of their CV classes to update and enhance her CV and create a candidate profile using a specialist online programme.

“My goal is to work within the UK’s media – I want to pick up my career as a journalist as soon as I can. In the meantime, I wanted a position that would allow me to earn money and practice my conversational English,” said Marelena.

“The SkillsWork team helped me with a covering letter which I sent, with my CV to several of the region’s leading hotels. I was lucky enough to be offered a position as a housekeeper at The Marriott Hotel, Newcastle.”

Despite Marelena’s success in securing full time employment, the SkillsWork team were not going to ignore her long-term plans to develop a career within media. They approached the BBC and the HR Manager agreed to consider Marelena’s CV for a part-time position.

Impressed with her CV, the BBC asked Marelena to complete the online application form and she has been offered an interview later this month.

Marelena said: “I was happy enough with my position at The Marriott but to hear I have an interview at the BBC is a dream come true. It has always been my long-term ambition to work for the BBC though never thought I’d get the chance – its all thanks to the SkillsWork team!”