“The Movement to Work scheme at BT was a catalyst for career; the mentoring, work experience and other activities really enabled me to come out of my shell and show my skills, the sort of things that don’t come out on a CV. I know how to express myself now. After progressing from BT’s graduate scheme I want to progress into management, it’s a real possibility now.”

Jawad left university after doing a chemical engineering degree. He wanted an analyst role, looking at data, quality or business but employers wanted 1-2 years’ experience before anyone would be considered. So he was stuck in the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle.

When looking at jobs websites Indeed he came across Movement to Work and its placement schemes. He was offered a three-week placement with BT. The three weeks comprised team-building and workshops about the world of work and, importantly, some real work experience in data analysis. “Ironically,” said Jawad, “I was looking at data around people attending work-placement schemes, to help attract more people.”

After the placement Jawad found a job at Flomatik, the telecoms network services company, before subsequently joining the BT graduate scheme.