An aspiring writer from Poplar is breaking through career barriers thanks to an apprenticeship scheme based in east London.

Sandra Majchrowska, 23, is a communications representative in the employment and skills team at East London Business Alliance, which runs the scheme.

Sandra says she was born and raised in a single parent home in Tower Hamlets and was faced with limitations on her prospects.

She said: “I dropped out of sixth form and for a while the future looked bleak, I found my sense of direction spiralling into a dark place. I became lost.”

After completing her studies in creative writing at Tower Hamlets College and at university, Sandra tried to find work as a teaching assistant, but was both over and under-qualified – she had a degree but no C-grade GCSE in maths.

Sandra says she’s really enjoying her role.

She said: “I feel during my placement I’ve become more confident, professional and, through my exposure to different environments and people, have enhanced my employability.”

The organisation provides in-house training then arranges six-month work placements at City and Canary Wharf companies.

For more information visit elba-1.org.uk.