Jamel Baker moved to the UK from Syria in 2022. She had previously studied English in her hometown and worked as a flight attendant with Saudi Arabia airlines.
Jamel enrolled on the Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business and Administration with the Growth Company in August 2024.
Jamel said: “When I got the chance to study with the Growth Company, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do it. I’m 52 and it was the first time in my life that I would be studying outside of my country and using technology I wasn’t used to, but my tutor Ruth really helped me to face these difficulties.
"When I first started, I explained that the accent is a little bit difficult for me and asked if she could speak slowly and she did all the time. She would always encourage me even if I gave answers that weren’t quite right to make me feel confident. If there was something I wasn’t sure about she would support me, and so would the rest of the class.”
She added: “The course was amazing and I’m really grateful because I’m now in my foundation year of university. If I didn’t do this course, I think it would be really difficult, but now I’m more confident and comfortable with the technology I have to work with.”
Jamel is now studying Business Management at Oxford Brookes University, and she hopes to use the skills and knowledge she gains from this to start her own business in the hospitality sector.
Jamel added: “I recommend the Growth Company wherever I go. I previously completed an interpreter course with another company, but it wasn’t like this. We would just listen to the tutor and do the assignments, but this course was amazing and gave me the skills and knowledge I need for my degree and future work opportunities.”
If you’d like to follow Jamel’s path, visit our website to find out more about our fully funded adult courses. Fully Funded Adult Courses - Manchester
