Getting Job Ready: an interview with Jax

In autumn 2007, Tower Hamlets Summer University piloted its first Job Ready programme, a course designed to prepare young people for the harrowing prospect of applying for jobs.

The programme is shaping up to be a great template that we hope to share with you through Summer Uni London so that more young people across London can benefit in the same way. To give you an insight into the programme, we interviewed Jakir Hussein (Jax), one of the programme’s participants, who is now Outreach Worker at Tower Hamlets Summer University.

Q: How did you find out about Job Ready?

A: I had already done two courses here, and my mom got a call about the programme. She said that the course trains you up to get jobs. I really wanted a job.

Q: How did you like the course?

A: I think it’s excellent. I think other young people should hear about this – it would really help them. They helped us for interviews, and they had professional people come in, from Lehmann Brothers, who told us how to talk and how to act. 

Q: How do you think the course has helped you?

A: Before I came, I wouldn’t have been prepared for an interview. I thought that you just went in, and if they wanted you they would hire you and if they didn’t they wouldn’t. I found out that there’s so much more – the way you dress, tone of voice, everything. You have to research the company. I didn’t know that, and it makes such a difference.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I am working for Tower Hamlets Summer University right now. I want to work with young people because before I came, I needed help. I was out on the streets, and if I hadn’t heard about it, I would still be on there with the same people.