KXR Work Experience Case Study: Hasan Al-Islam

For many looking for a job in 2020 or working in the sector, they would probably describe it as ‘the year recruitment died’ (or in the spirit of being less dramatic) came to a drastic halt. The labour market struggled massively: redundancies were at an all-time high, the unemployment rate increased to 4.9%, and the number of payroll employees fell by 819,000. Furthermore, the largest of these falls were seen at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We wanted our candidates to be able to get real experience on their CV to improve their chances of finding work at an incredibly difficult time; this led to our new work experience programme. In September 2020, KX Recruit partnered with King’s Cross Estate Services (KCES) our onsite facilities and property management team to offer an exclusive work experience programme to Camden and Islington candidates in response to the pandemic. The programme was created for candidates with no prior experience or qualifications in landscaping, environmental services or engineering. 

Nurture, a part of the Kings Cross Estate Services team (KCES) the company responsible for the landscaping of the King’s Cross development, were keen to get involved in this work experience programme. Simon Cummins, Regional Manager of Nurture highlights the importance of their involvement stating, “As we maintain Kings Cross Estate which forms such an integral part of the local community, we take very seriously our responsibility to offer opportunities to the local community.”  

A variety of candidates applied for this opportunity, including Islington candidate Hasan Al-Islam. Taking us through his journey Hasan tells us he applied for the role because of his passion for horticulture. He found out about the placement through his employment coach at iWork in Islington Council where they helped him to apply for the position. Hasan mentions “I had done two apprenticeships for the council before, when I left the council I signed up with iWork”. 

Notably, Hasan discloses that the reason he decided to enlist the help of iWork was due to his learning disability, Hasan reveals “I’m autistic and dyslexic so I needed the support” describing how they helped him, he says “they helped me to apply for jobs and look for vacant positions. They also helped me with my interview technique. I found the process to be extremely helpful and beneficial.” 

Unsurprisingly, Hasan found job searching during the pandemic to be quite challenging but understood the importance of experience in a tough labour market and what doors it could open. When asked if he would have still applied for the opportunity if it were unpaid with conviction Hasan said “Yes” understanding that work experience was a stepping–stone towards his desired career path of horticulture. Furthermore, he had done voluntary work before and knew how rewarding it can be. 

Hasan was alerted to this work experience programme via iwork and KX recruit set up an interview for Hassan with KCES (Nurture).  After wowing KCES (Nurture) with his knowledge and passion of horticulture and can-do attitude he was offered the work experience placement. Simmon Cummins reflects “Hasan demonstrated an exceptional attitude which impressed everyone around him” securing him a two-week paid Landscaping placement. Senior Contracts Manager, Paul Heaven labels Hasan as “a valued member of the team” 

The overall experience 

Hasan found working with KX Recruit to be straightforward and “very supportive”. He developed a fruitful relationship with the Recruitment Manager in charge of the role who offered him 1-2-1 support through the work experience placement. When asked if he was satisfied with his experience with KX Recruit Hasan expressed his delight by stating that he would not change anything about the service.  

Irrefutably, Hasan enjoyed being surrounded by nature every day during his work experience placement and working in the historic King’s Cross area – as an Islington local he had many memories of the area. Whilst on his placement, Hasan worked hard to improve his knowledge in a short space of time which impressed the team so much with his passion, timekeeping and commitment that he was offered an interview for a full-time job at another of their sites. Hassan was successful at this interview and is now working full time for Nurture. 

Expressing his appreciation for the experience Hasan mentioned that he does not think that he would have secured a role in his dream sector during the pandemic without the work experience programme. 

After undoubtably securing a full-time position on his own merit Hasan began his role at Nurture’s sister site by the London Eye as a Horticulture Operative at Jubilee Gardens.  

Hasan’s manager, Horticulture & Cleansing Supervisor, Johann De Brouwer says “Hasan since starting with us has grown in confidence. He especially likes to do gardening and will tackle it with great enthusiasm. Both Stephen and I find it stimulating to chat about gardening with Hasan as he will always have questions about the gardening at Jubilee Gardens. Hasan does a lot of research on the gardens and gardening in general. All in all, it makes for an interesting and enriching experience” 

Reflecting on the decreasing rates of employment amidst Covid Britain, KX Recruit are proud to be able to support candidates by finding employment opportunities for them during the most difficult of times. Work experience can bridge the gap between short-lived placements and full-time positions that flourish into lifetime careers. Without work experience programmes like this, it is tough for local candidates to gain experience and enrich their employment prospects.  

Hasan concludes the interview by expressing that If you are looking for a role in Horticulture, Botany, Gardening or want to participate in a work experience programme like this one, you must be “willing to learn”. Hasan also advises employers to be open to taking on candidates by utilising a work experience programme.  

If you are an employer interested in starting a work experience programme reach out to us here or by emailing [email protected] and our seasoned recruitment managers will be happy to help. Alternatively, if you are a candidate you can apply for our current vacancies here.