Ernesto Jose Ventura Rodriguez

In September I will start level 3 in hairdressing. I am a single father of my 10 year old son. I have lived in the UK for 2 years. We lived in a hotel as refugees until I received the residence permit to remain then I was moved to Dagenham. My commute to WAES is 1 hour 30 minutes. WAES supports me with travel expenses. I’m also on universal credit.

Before the course I studied business at University. I did graduate. I also had my own grocery shop. Unfortunately, in my country I never had the opportunity to study properly we were discriminated against by gangsters. Being of bisexual orientation and a single father is not seen as normal.

I also volunteered for Oxfam for 6 months the shop closed and relocated whilst I was living in the hotel it was difficult to travel there from the hotel and then I was transferred to Dagenham which made it even more difficult to get to Oxfam. I did this while studying for entry level English. My greatest achievement was moving to Level 1 Functional Skills without having to complete entry level 3 because my English had improved significantly since volunteering. Also, having the confidence to speak to others about my experience. I’m now interested in a Customer Service Apprenticeship.

This Hairdressing course will help me take the first steps to start my own business, something I’ve always wanted to start again, so I can work on my own schedule this will allow me to be there for my son even more and help my community for example my elderly neighbours by cutting/styling their hair.