Alfred Chalira Trainee Marketing Assistant
Alfred Chalira is spending 12 months working in the Council's Marketing & Communcations team as PATRA Inc ACDA trainee.
Alfred says, " PATRA Inc ACDA has worked in partnership with the public and private sector for over 20 years. It seeks to offer people in BME (Black Minority Ethnic) communities the widest range of employment opportunites possible. Its aims is to continue to offer employees and employers a workforce that is a true reflection of the diverse culture in the East Midlands. This is achieved through training, support and guidance.
Since its inception many people have carved out a career for themselves in both the public and private sectors. Almost everyone who has benefited from this scheme feels they would recommend it to someone wishing to open new doors for themselves.
I found out about this scheme through word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend I knew from back home in Africa. He knew that I used to work as a marketeer for a blue-chip company called Unilever, which I joined as a management trainee straight from University.
He advised me to apply for a training programme with PATRA, which I did. Within a short peroid of time, I was called for interviews where I mentioned my previous experience and also that I am currently studying with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). I am about to complete my Professional Postgradute Diploma in Marketing. It was such a sweet surprise that within two weeks they asked me if I could attend an interview for a trainee marketing assistant position at Nottingham City Council.
Having passed the interviews and been offered the training position, to say that I was over the moon would be an understatement. I was exhilarated! This was like a home coming for me, having been away for a long time. I also felt like I was being given a second chance by the powers that be.
My intentions is to use this opportunity to pick the brains of the marketing gurus here and gain the necessary experience that will take me to the next level. I am working in "Piccadilly Circus" environment of the Marketing and Communcations function and I just love it. I must hasten to add that everyone is very helpful and nice; it almost feels like I have always been here.
I would recommend PATRA training course to anyone who is willing to commit to the challenging task of gaining work experience. This training programme is a springboard to a brighter future. I also extend a vote of thanks to the Council for opening up a placement places for PATRA Inc ACDA trainees. This makes me proud of my city and will help me fulfil my ambitions"
* Article and image both taken from Nottingham City Council