Success Story
When Mustafa Abubakr moved from Sudan to London in January 2019, mid-way through completing his certificate of secondary school education, he did not let the overwhelming sense of uncertainty he felt beat him. Just two months later, the 19-year-old had registered with Skills Training UK on a series of traineeship courses; a move that Mustafa credits with making his dreams come true.
“Adapting to life in a new country was a real challenge. I had little grasp of the English language and no idea of how to write a CV or apply for a job. Skills Training tutors patiently guided me through that every step of the way though, even attending interviews with me, and it gave me real hope for what might be possible in the future on my own”.
Making new connections
Mustafa went on to achieve a plethora of qualifications and did a work experience placement with Cancer Research UK. Not only did he learn new skills, such as customer relations, and improve his English but Mustafa made many new friends.
“It has greatly transformed every aspect of my life and was the best experience ever. I could not have achieved any of it without the belief of my tutors and their unlimited, unconditional support”.
Mustafa feels that this experience gave him the confidence to successfully apply and complete an Engineering Foundational Program with the International Foundation Group. A qualification that has subsequently paved the way for Mustafa to be conditionally accepted by 5 UK universities to study civil engineering.
Sadly, my family and I cannot afford an international student fee even though I have a part-time delivery job, so I will need to apply for a scholarship to ensure my journey into further education continues. Even though I finished my traineeship courses last year I contacted Skills Training UK straight away for guidance as they have always been such a fantastic mentor. The learning opportunity they gave me is forever carved in my mind and heart.
It has greatly transformed every aspect of my life and was the best experience ever. I could not have achieved any of it without the belief of my tutors and their unlimited, unconditional support.
Mustafa Abubakr
Tutors have helped Mustafa, now 20, to explore the various options open to him, including taking on an apprenticeship if a scholarship does not work out.
Benjamin James, Mustafa’s Vocational Tutor, said: “I’m so proud of what Mustafa has accomplished. From the very first day at Skills Training UK he has worked relentlessly to complete his Maths English & PDE and was even offered a job after he completed his work placement. He has now moved onto higher learning and has become a straight A student. With his work ethic and determination, I am confident Mustafa will have a successful career”.
Mustafa was pleased to hear the chancellor’s announcement about tripling the size of traineeships available for young people and hopes that more young people will seize the opportunity with Skills Training UK.
Mustafa is part of a successful trio of Abubakr family members with both his sister, Noon, and his brother, Sameer, progressing through Skills Training UK.
“I would highly recommend it to others. There are so many different courses on offer and the learning environment is unique. You hardly realise that you are learning as it’s so fun and the tutors are so helpful. Seize the opportunity and who knows where it will take you?!”.
Mustafa Abubakr
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