Finding Work, Improving English, at the Library
Olivia arrived in Leeds from France without speaking very much English. At the advice of friends, she joined the library and soon had all the help she needed, both to improve her language skills and find a job.
Leeds Libraries’ NextStep advisors sometimes deal with people with limited English language skills. One of the advisors can speak French and Spanish and another can deal with requests in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Gujerati. If necessary they call upon the Council’s Interpretation and Translation Unit.
Olivia is from Rwanda but moved to France when she was 16. She trained to work in the hospitality industry and had some interesting placements and job opportunities. Deciding that she wanted to develop a more international career in larger hotels, Olivia realized she needed to be more fluent in English. That’s when she decided to move to Leeds, where she has friends.
It was these friends who advised Olivia to go to the Leeds Library. She worked with Jobs Center Plus advisors at the library, who helped her find out about English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes.
Together, Olivia and library staff drew up a list of all the large hotels in Leeds and helped her produce a CV with a covering letter which could be adapted to target each specific hotel. All of this work paid off: Olivia was offered two opportunities, more or less at the same time!
Olivia worked part time at first so that she could complete her English course, and before long her post became full time. Her work is varied and includes reception and bookings, getting breakfasts and general customer service.
She found it all a bit daunting at first but now thoroughly enjoys the variety of hotel life. She has joined a young, dynamic and international team and her progress in English is very noticeable. In fact, she has joined another class at Leeds College of Technology so that she can develop her speaking and reading skills even further.
Quick Quote
Olivia's Words
“Thank you so much for giving me all this information and showing me the right ways to look for a job. I am very grateful.”