Real Stories: Monika

Learn what our trainees say about our training offer and recruitment support their received

A new role and building a business

When Monika arrived in Scotland from Poland, life was anything but easy. A solo parent of four, caring for a son with disabilities, she'd experienced domestic abuse, homelessness and a long stretch where work just didn't fit around her family. She was talented, a brilliant cook, creative with her hands, and determined, but finding work that used her talents, rebuilt her confidence and gave her the flexibility she needed as a single parent wasn't easy.

Monika came to JobFit via language classes and enrolled on our Hospitality course. She got real commercial kitchen experience and finished a placement at North Edinburgh Arts Centre, where she impressed the team and secured a permanent role. The JobFit course also taught her how to set herself up as a sole trader, which prompted her to start a catering business and sell her handmade pieces at local "makers" markets - later evolving into a small retail unit of her own.

Monika continues to shine in her role, and her growing confidence is encouraging her to think more ambitiously about the future. She's exploring ways to develop her craft and catering businesses further, and now feels optimistic about what lies ahead for her and her family.

Testimonials

After being home for 6 years I really enjoyed coming to the course and meet new people. Really enjoyed all the knowledge this course gave me. I think if someone is interested in this career this course is a really good way to start.

(Raquel, Early Learning & Childcare course , May 25)

I started this course after months of unsuccessful job applications. When I started the course, I discovered new skills and career paths. The topics we covered were really interesting, they helped me fix my CV and helped me gain confidence, and my hope to find a job in a different career came back!

(Claudia, Creative Skills for Business course, August 25)

I am very grateful for this course with you. You helped me to learn about new ways of work. I am now planning opening my own business.

(Mohamed, PAT Testing course, September 25)

JobFit understood and met my organisational requirements well.

(Anita, Senior Compliance Resourcing Manager, C&P Recruitment Ltd, April 26)

We have been able to tap into a market of quality, well trained candidates and save significant amounts of money which we can now re-invest into business development and improvement.

(Daniel - Care Support Scotland, April 26)

JobFit have worked closely with us during recruitment (inviting us in to speak with all candidates about careers in childcare and giving us an opportunity to interview individuals) …We work collaboratively together and regularly take on feedback from each other.

(Elizabeth, Manager, Daddy Daycare Edinburgh, April 26)

The Course was really good getting to meet new people and just learn new skills. I would say that something I really benefited from was building the confidence to present in front of a group of people but also made me feel like applying for jobs is a lot easier! I think others would also find it really beneficial if you feel like you don’t know what to get into as it gives you a taste of new interesting things to learn about

(Learner, Workplace Skills in Banking Course, May 25)

The whole experience was a massive improvement for me (…) Instructors were full of knowledge and impacted the knowledge in me. I felt refreshed and full of confidence.

(Quadri, Security SIA course, September 25)

It was a great experience to learn about a new topic , it had it challenging aspects that drove me to put more work to achieve my goals , and I had continuous help and guidance along the way

(Rawan , Early Learning & Childcare course , Dec 25)

I have already recommended the course to my friends. Everyone was so easy to go along with and training was really useful in helping me to find job

(Darren, Warehouse & Logistics course , November 25)

It was a good opportunity to get my foot in the door by having some guaranteed interviews since my application to interview ratio when applying myself was quite bad.

(Dania, Customer Service course , November 25)

The best course and the best class you can find in Edinburgh, lovely teachers and staff. I highly recommend this training.

(Mahammad, Construction course , February 26)

It was great and beautiful experience to get into the world of Beauty. Thanks to our teachers for all the support.

(Neli, Beauty course , January 2026)

I would recommend...to everyone looking for training that will lead into employment.

(Mirella, Make-up Academy course , January 2026)

The Course opened my eyes to the diverse opportunities in the security industry. It also gave me confidence to use the skills I have acquired in my own personal life. I will encourage anyone looking for a career change to take this course.

(Emmanuel, Security SIA course , January 2026)

A comprehensive route into confident self-employment working as a sole trader.

(Joe, PAT Testing course , September 25)