Ali was not in work or training when we first met him; he was living on his own and claiming Housing Benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance.

He got in touch with the Apprenticeship Advice Service, as he didn’t know much about apprenticeships and wanted to find out more about them as a career option.  Ali wanted to go to university but also wanted to work as he was struggling on benefits, he didn’t want to go back to full time education.

An apprenticeship was a great option as it would allow him to work, be paid a salary and gain valuable work experience.  At the same time it would allow him to study towards qualifications, which could eventually lead him on to university.

Ali decided an apprenticeship was the right choice and worked with the Adviser to develop his CV.  His Adviser showed him where to search for apprenticeship vacancies and helped with some of his application forms.  Ali gained two interviews and came in for a few coaching sessions with the Adviser and a formal mock interview.

Ali became worried that he might lose his Housing Benefits if he got into work, so would lose out financially.  Our Adviser did a better off calculation with Ali, which reassured him by showing how much more his earnings would be.

He was successful at his first interview and gained the position.  Ali is now working as an Apprentice Housing Officer for a major housing association.

Since securing the apprenticeship Ali is performing excellently in his role and was recently awarded a pay rise having successfully completed six months.  He has already completed an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and just started the NVQ Level 3.  “My manager has indicated that when I finish this I can start a Level 4, so my ambition of going to university is still open,” says Ali.