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Preparing to work and study in the UK
If you are studying ESOL, it can be hard to navigate the jobs market and education system in the UK. The guide below should hopefully help you to prepare for both options, and hopefully answer some frequently asked questions.
What are my barriers to work and study?
Your biggest barrier to work is likely going to be your English Language. There are usually entry requirements for both work and study around your language ability.
There are simple things you can do to improve your English in your own time. Starting with the basics will really help you improve your language, provide networking opportunities and accelerate you settling into life in the UK.
Read: Take books out the library at college or from your local library. Use an app like Flipboard to gain access to various articles to read.
Write: Your writing will improve the more you read! Start small with text messages, emails and build up to thinking about creating your CV and Cover letter.
Speak: Try and speak the language as mush as possible. Volunteering is a great way to practice. Visit VAS who can advise you on volunteering opportunities.
Listen: Watch films and TV, listen to the radio, listen to podcasts. This will speed up being able to verbally understand people and help your communication skills.
Where to improve your English in Sheffield
Some organisations offer casual conversation classes which is great to meet new people or full classes you could progress onto
Learn for Life (also run classes in digital skills, crafts, family learning for ESOL learners)
ZEST offer lots for the community including conversation classes, volunteering, health & wellbeing
CELTA at The University of Sheffield
How else to improve your English
You can also self study to improve your language learning. Some other English Language specific sites that students can access for free and will be tailored to their levels are:
BBC Skillswise (English, maths, employment skills)
ESOL UK (also has English for Work specific section)
NATECLA (online ESOL readers - good for beginners, entry 1 and 2)
I already have qualifications from my home country
If you already have qualifications from another country, you could potentially get a Statement of Comparability from ENIC which will state what your qualifications are worth (if anything) in the UK. To do this you need your Certificates and Transcripts from all your qualifications and to pay the fee for conversion.
Quick Facts
To access university, you need an equivalent Level 3 qualification from your own country or one from the UK. You also need your evidence of English, Maths and sometimes Science GCSE grade 4/C and above.
An alternative for English GCSE can also be IELTS.
All universities are different and you can explore courses on UCAS.
What level am I working at?
While you may be qualified to degree level in your home country, depending on the comparability here in the UK, you may be working to a completely different level.
There are different ways you can top up if your current qualifications are not accepted or equivalent. Some routes are below:
What do I need to work in the UK?
It is good idea to explore different careers on careers websites to see what they might be looking for.
Thinking about all these things can help you come to some conclusions with what jobs match your skills and experience or where you could develop yourself.
Some things you should ask yourself:
What are your skills? What do you do well?
What work experience do you have?
Do you have any qualifications? Are you working towards any?
What do you enjoy doing?
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