Slawek moved to Scotland with his family from Poland in 2015 aged 13 and came to Stirling Community Enterprise in 2019 looking for help to find his first job. Here is Slawek’s Story;

“I first heard about SCE when I was about to leave school. They were running a course for leavers that helped us use tools and equipment to do some physical work, so I thought I would give it a go. I liked the thought of possibly working on a building site, however, my real passion was to do cooking so when I spoke to my trainer/mentor; Sean, he sat with me and helped me with a College application.

After sending my application, Forth Valley College emailed me to say that I would have to do a language assessment at Falkirk College before getting on a course.  The date they gave me for my assessment clashed with my course at SCE. Sean called the college and explained that I was desperate to get in and luckily they were able to bring my assessment date forward.

The next challenge was finding the college as I had never been to Falkirk before. I moved to Scotland 3 years ago and haven’t had the chance to get around the country. Again SCE were able to help with Stewart; the Employability Support Officer, driving me through and the showed me where the bus station was for the journey home.

Falkirk College was quick in responding after my assessment and the following day I was given the offer to start a City and Guilds level 2 course in cookery (a full-time course). My mum is also passionate about cooking and she is saving up to help me open my own place, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to get started.”

Although Slawek started off on a construction course, we were able to support him in to a completely different career path, and one he is more passionate about pursuing. We would like to wish Slawek all the very best in his College course and the future.