Marius Hanzak my journey from hospitality to a Junior Engineer with the help of Akona Skills Bootcamps.

After being referred by NHS Individual Placement Support to Akona and their skills bootcamp. I met with their director, Steve Ashley. He explained the courses on offer, along what starting a career on the railway could look like. Having recently relocated and bought my first home, while only working in hospitality - I was eager to earn more and go on to start a family.

I attended the basic rail skills bootcamp at the Akona training centre, starting in January 2024. The trainers were all excellent and very supportive. I was soon ready for my first shifts. Akona Concepts were able to find me work, while also recommending me to other agencies.

Over the next year, despite a slump in the rail industry, Akona had me out regularly on weekends completing a variety of shifts. I was found to be particularly competent at surveying, so they directed more of that work my way and even let me write up the reports for their clients.

Though still working a day job, my burgeoning rail career had increased my income enough to comfortably start a family. My partner was able to take a year of maternity leave as I supported us. Before the baby turned one, Akona were able to offer me a full-time position.

To up-skill me further, Akona have started me on another skills bootcamp - this time completing more advanced rail courses. These new qualifications will allow me to contribute on more complex projects, including a likely HS2 contract for lightning protection systems.

That first bootcamp gave me a second chance (after a misspent education) and has transformed my life in less than a couple of years. I certainly could not have funded it myself. It’s probable that I’d still be stuck in hospitality and without a child, had it not been for that opportunity and the ongoing generosity and support of the Akona team.

Maz Hanzak