Poplar writer breaks through barriers with work placement

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.