Another job success with support from Zebra Access Employment service

Lena is Deaf and originally from Bydgoszcz, Poland where her expertise was in the textile industry as a seamstress. She also worked in a warehouse to supplement her income. Polish Sign Language is her first language.

Since arriving in the UK five years ago, she has worked as a cleaner, then later as a part time support worker before landing a job with Ocado as a Warehouse operative She was working part-time few days a week, although she needed more hours. However, the Warehouse operative role was hard and required a lot of very heavy lifting which wasn’t sustainable as it caused various health problems for her as result. 

When Lena heard about Zebra-Access’ BCF2 Employment Support project, she didn’t waste any time in getting herself registered to get the support she needed to find suitable work. Upon applying for a few vacancies and attending interviews unsuccessfully, Zebra Access then recommended her to apply for a job with Argonaut, a Deaf led Social Enterprise company. Lena confidently went for the interview on her own and landed a job immediately with them. 

Lena Kotecka said: ‘When arriving from Poland I was rather lost and didn’t know anyone, but I started to make new friends over the years and learned English and BSL. This enabled me to gain strength and confidence. I started to meet people as I went along to learn about English culture. 

I was happy with the support of Zebra-Access in searching for a job. I had few interviews but I was determined not to give up, and at the end, I went to this interview on my own and landed a job with Argonaut immediately, as I was able to demonstrate my skills from my previous expertise. 

This company is Deaf-led, and the manager Mike Brickliffe, who is deaf himself, is very supportive, respects me, and I could very easily understand him through the same language that we spoke. 

As an added bonus, many of the deaf staff are signers. I made new friends within the team and we worked well together. Even the hearing staff can sign and the communication flows easily. 

I feel very happy, and from the bottom of my heart I want to wish the Employment Officer from Zebra-Access and her wonderful interpreter for all the support that they have given me over the past few months. It has boosted my confident. Thank you.’

Chris Beech, Project Development Manager said ‘This demonstrates the importance of having an accessible work environment where the employee is always included in conversations, team activities and is ably supported by supportive manager. It is also an excellent example of a where employment boosts a person’s wellbeing and confidence enabling them to lead active and fulfilling lives.’