Today, he’s a valued member of the team at OCS facilities management, which provides commercial catering and food services in London.
He found the job through Lambeth Council’s employment programme, Full Potential, which helps care-experienced young people across the borough build confidence, gain workplace skills and take their first steps into employment.
Mustafa said the opportunity has changed his life. He said: “Before I was nervous because my English wasn’t very good.
“Now I communicate with people, they understand me, and they’re happy with me. I’d say my confidence has improved by 80 per cent.”
Working as a Catering Assistant with OCS has given him more than a job. It’s helped him build confidence, learn new skills, and become part of a supportive team.
He added: “The people here are really nice. They helped me learn, and now I feel like I can do everything.
“This opportunity will always mean so much to me. When you come to a new country and start from zero, this is a really big thing. I’ll never forget the people who helped me. I’m working now and am really happy.”
Mustafa (centre) and his colleagues give a thumbs up behind the counter
His progress at OCS has been hailed by his managers, who said Mustafa is a valued member of the team thanks to his enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
A representative of the company, Lola, said: “He’s doing a super job. He’s friendly with colleagues and clients, catches everything very fast, and genuinely wants to learn.”
The Full Potential programme is run by Lambeth Council’s Skills and Employment service, which is committed to ensuring every young person in the borough has equal access to opportunities. In the last 12 months, targeted youth programming supported 54 young people into employment and a further 97 progressed into education or training.
To find out more about the programme and wider opportunities, please visit belambeth.gov.uk
