21st October 2025
When Zak Iqbal first enrolled at Barking & Dagenham College in early 2023, aged 16, he wasn’t sure what direction his future would take.
The Employability Skills - Planning for life and work course he enrolled on helped change that for him.
Having been out of education for a while after the loss of his grandad, Zak admits it was a difficult time. “I had gone through a very challenging period in my life and struggled to stay motivated and confident in myself,” he said. “However, starting this course marked a turning point - it gave me structure, purpose, and a new sense of direction.”
Through the course, Zak developed essential skills in teamwork, communication, and time management and, most importantly, rebuilt his confidence. “At first, I found it difficult to express myself or speak confidently in front of others, but the course helped me overcome those barriers step by step,” he explained.
Since then, Zak has gone on to complete a media course, which he proudly passed with a Merit, and is now studying photography - a subject that allows him to explore his creativity and love of nature. He hopes to progress to university to study teaching and one day inspire others as an educator.
Errol Parker, Head of Service Industries, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Zak and how far he’s come. It’s rewarding to see the course make such a positive difference in his life.”
Reflecting on his experience, Zak, now 18 years old, offers this advice: “If you want to gain experience and improve your confidence levels, I would really recommend the employability course — it helps you aim for your goals.”
