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From starting over to dual job offers

15 January, 2026
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“I had an issue where I lived, there was a water leak, and I recall feeling very overwhelmed because I didn’t know who to turn to or where to find a handy man to help. I know we have things like YouTube that can help at times, but YouTube can’t tell you everything. I started from zero.”

Originally from Hong Kong, where Cantonese is her first language, Kitty knew that learning English was vital to settling into her new home and building a future for herself.

“I could speak a little English, but not fluently, because in my country we speak Cantonese, not English” she explains. I joined English lessons at ACH to improve, and then I started to get better at speaking. Later on through the course, I even became a volunteer teaching assistant. I want to fit into society, improve myself, and get a job. I’m happy to contribute to the country and not just take from it. I want to give back, because this is where I live now.”

ACH supported Kitty by helping her develop practical skills for employment under the Bridge to Employment programme. The Careers and Training team worked with her on her CV and cover letter and helped her prepare for job interviews.

“They gave me great suggestions and even held mock interviews with me,” she says. “That really boosted my confidence. I used to have very low self-confidence, but now I feel much stronger.”

Kitty’s hard work paid off when she was offered two fantastic opportunities: a paid placement with Pret a Manger and a full-time role at Uniqlo both in Birmingham. When asked how that made her feel and which of the roles, she will be proceeding with she said:

“I feel great!” she says with a laugh. “It’s a happy problem to have, a very happy challenge. Though I have experience working in a charity and have recently had a trail session at Pret A Manger, it’s all just basic level experience. I don’t have very strong experience in either field, but I am a fast learner and very willing to learn. Maybe I’ll flip a coin to decide which one to choose! Or can I daydream and say I’ll do one in the morning and another in the evening? I am happy, really happy.”

She explains that while it’s difficult to pick between the two roles, she has to make a final decision today and has received further guidance from one of the ACH career officers to further help her decision making. She is excited to begin this new chapter of her life:

“I’m really grateful to be in this position and I would like to thank ACH for all the support they offered me. Luck plays a part, yes, but it’s also about having self-confidence, having good support from organisations like ACH and being willing to try as an individual.”

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