Client Journey – Shah

Client Journey – Shah*

Action West London, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, supports 18–24-year-olds from ethnic minority backgrounds in Ealing, Hounslow, Harrow, Barnet, Brent, and Hillingdon who are currently on probation. While Shah fell slightly outside this specific age bracket at 26, he joined our employment support services at a vital crossroads in his life. Having worked as a retail assistant in a busy shoe shop, he had gained valuable customer service and sales experience, but he found himself stuck with limited progression and inconsistent hours.

Shah was keen to improve his prospects and move into a role with clearer progression. However, he faced several barriers, including a lack of confidence after several unsuccessful applications and uncertainty about which industries would suit him best. He needed guidance on how to turn his retail background into a long-term, stable career.

Working closely with his Advisor, Shah began to identify his transferable strengths. Our team supported him with CV development, structured job-search activity, and interview preparation. A key part of the process was helping Shah see the value in his communication and teamwork skills and learning how to present these confidently to employers. To keep him from feeling overwhelmed, his Advisor helped him break the process down into manageable, consistent steps.

The impact of this tailored support was clear. Shah’s wellbeing improved as he gained a renewed sense of purpose. He became more proactive in his applications and far more confident when speaking to hiring managers.

Reflecting on his journey, Shah said:

“I didn’t realise how much experience I already had until my Advisor helped me see it properly. The support gave me confidence and made the job search feel less overwhelming.”

His Advisor added:

“Shah has shown real commitment throughout his journey. He took feedback on board and applied himself consistently, which made a big difference to his progress.”

As a result of his determination and the support of the programme, Shah successfully moved into sustainable employment in the retail sector, securing a role that offers the stability he was looking for. He is now focused on building a long-term career with opportunities for training and development. Shah’s story is a great example of how the right guidance and encouragement can help someone move forward with a brighter outlook on the future.

Well done, Shah!

*Name changed to protect privacy