Ali

Project: Hackney Future Talent

After getting a First in Law, I set about searching for a training contract in the social justice field. I made hundreds of applications, only to receive rejections. Then in 2004, while still searching, I met ngdp staff at a recruitment event.

The more I thought about the ngdp and its components, and the more I delved into the profiles of other NMTs and the work they did, the more I realised that it was a fantastic opportunity to influence the social and economic wellbeing of local communities through local initiatives, policies and strategies.

I decided to look at the ngdp as a two-year contract, with me as a trainee ‘trying out’ the public sector. And I liked the prospect of gaining an academic postgraduate diploma while mixing it with real practical experience. The large networking possibilities that extended across many local authorities appealed to me too.

The recruitment process was tough, but I suppose it had to be in order to recruit the best candidates. Every stage pushed me to the limit - and that brought out a whole range of new abilities that I didn’t know I had.

I’m currently the leading officer on a project called Hackney Future Talent (HFT). It’s a work placement coordination unit, which I initiated myself. This unit deals with all generic work-based placement activities, project manages corporate apprenticeship schemes, provides advice to internal and external stakeholders on placement activities, and acts as an information hub for all enquiries.

As far as I know, ours is the only local authority to have a dedicated unit like this. Prior to HFT, work-based learning activities were ad hoc, uncoordinated and non-reported. The Council was missing out on reaping - and providing - huge social and practical benefits.

My advice to a prospective NMT is this: Ask yourself, ‘Am I determined to take on big challenges with limited resources? What could I achieve if really pushed to extend myself beyond my existing skills and knowledge? Am I open minded enough to engage in further development activities even if I think I don’t need them?’ If yes, you’ll get a lot from the ngdp and the opportunities and support it offers.