In 2008 we enrolled 300 women in courses, 70% progressed to further learning, employment or training.

Victoria on Women’s Training

As part of our commitment to up-skilling women and supporting them into the workplace we have begun offering a wide range of training, tailored to different interests. Victoria is a single mother who lost her catering assistant job because her children ended up placed in three separate childcare facilities. Starting with an introduction to childcare and a keep fit class, Victoria went on to take a basic and intermediate ICT qualification and a business administration course, supported by our free onsite crèche where all her children were able to play.

These courses offer a basic but practical introduction for individuals who have very limited exposure to modern technology and, in many instances, will not even have used a computer before. All our courses link with local firms and agencies for support and clear progression routes and we ourselves welcome a wide range of apprentices and volunteers onto our team.

Victoria is now planning to use her new skills to develop a cleaning business which will provide her with the flexibility she needs in the workplace. We are continuing to support her through our more advanced business course, through links to the Prince’s Trust and by being her first client.

City Gateway Women's Project, Lansbury Lodge, 117 Ricardo Street, Poplar, London, E14 6EQ. Tel: 020 7515 7878