Sam's story

Sam Salahi, 22, has high hopes of a career in housing following her apprenticeship through the Future Jobs Fund (FJF), arranged by CBHA.

The Chingford resident was taken on at Friday Hill TMO in January as receptionist and administrator and has been promoted already. A new job of housing assistant has been created for her.

“I have been working on rent and garage arrears, writing letters and doing a bit of everything,” she said.
Sam had spent months looking for work, applying for all sorts of jobs, in shops, bars and restaurants, after she was made redundant from her position as receptionist with a local company.

“When you are out of work it can really affect your confidence. It wears you down and you start to think you cannot do anything,” she said. “It had definitely knocked my self-belief. When I first started here I felt embarrassed to ask questions. But I have found the people here have helped me, made me feel welcome and only been supportive.

“I am enjoying working and would definitely like a career in a housing association. I hope Friday Hill TMO can take me on when the FJF funding ends after six months. If not, having had this experience, I feel more positive about looking for a role in housing.”

As part of the scheme, Sam attends college once a week, studying for a Customer Services qualification.
Of course she has training at work too. “I hope to soon be trained in dealing with anti-social behaviour.”
She added: “FJF has been great for me. I think it is a good idea to give unemployed young people this start.”