enhanced skills training for ethnic minorities

The first ESTEEM training course, at the STAR centre, Splott, was an outstanding success. The course, run in association with BAWSO (Black Association of Women Step Out) saw 14 women taking with each getting a contact centre job interview on completion.

Sandra Busby, Managing Director of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum, said:   “The success of the initial course proves that there is a huge interest and appetite among the black and minority ethnic communities to grasp the job opportunities that are currently available in contact centres in Cardiff.”

Sharmin Begum, aged 19, of Canton, who recently completed her full-time, formal education, was attracted by the opportunity of a guaranteed job interview at then end of the ESTEEM course.  Sharmin said: “There seem to be so many opportunities for jobs and careers in the contact centre industry.  Initially I just wanted to come along to get a better idea of what is on offer and what to expect, now I am looking to get a job. I am amazed at the range and quality of the opportunities that are available in contact centres.”

Mum-of-two Erum Akhtar, aged 34, of Grangetown, who is also attending the week-long ESTEEM course, said: “I am interested in working in a contact centre as I know that there are lots of opportunities to fit work around family life, which is very important for me. I am looking to provide for my children and see contact centre work as providing the best prospects for being able to create this work-life balance.”

Musarrat Shad, aged 32, of Cyncoed, who has two children a boy, seven and girl, four, is looking to forge a career in the contact centre industry after completing the ESTEEM course.

Musarrat said: “I am prepared to start off at the bottom but I know that if I work hard that I have the chance to build a worthwhile and rewarding career in the contact centre industry here in Cardiff.”