Working with Twining to keep dreams of becoming a trainee tailor alive
Mickayla’s dreams of becoming a tailor in the theatre industry seemed like they were lost when the pandemic hit in March 2020. However, with the support of Twining and her employment specialist Dina, Mickayla looked for work experience in the midst of a pandemic whilst considering further education pathways… here she tells her inspirational story in her own words…
I was offered a job at a leading theatre as a trainee tailor in the costume department in March 2020 just before the pandemic but was unable to take up my role because of the pandemic. As I needed more work experience in tailoring to progress and get a job, I felt I needed to turn away from that career path in light of the impracticality of work shadowing at the time. I therefore decided to study garment technology from September 2020, as I couldn't get work in any field during the pandemic.
I had received counselling due to low mood earlier that year and was asked by my therapist if I was interested in hearing from an organisation that can provide support while looking for work and I felt that I should use all the support I could get. So, I began working with Twining Enterprise while I was contemplating studying my garment technology diploma and also looking for jobs that I could do alongside my studies.
My job specialist, Dina, helped me write cover letters that were tailored to each job application, gave me very useful advice in how to amend my CV to make it more attractive to employers and most of all, helped to boost my confidence in my abilities and my decision to study. She gave me hope that what I was doing was making me more employable, reassuring me it will eventually lead to employment.
Within three weeks of finishing my course I received a job offer at a well-known high street retailer in a competitive entry-level role in womenswear product technology. After several months in this position, I was contacted by the theatre who were able to offer me the traineeship again, which I decided to accept and I am now currently undertaking.
Please note - This charitable project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
