Three years ago, Hanna Nabilska arrived in Britain, fleeing from a war-torn Ukraine to begin a new life far away from home.
The 40-year-old admits she thought her time in the UK would be “temporary” but soon realised, alongside her young daughter, she would need to start putting plans in place for the foreseeable future. And so, she turned to education and training.
In July 2025, Hanna referred herself to Ambition Manchester, a programme which is part of Manchester Adult Education Service, for support with her career progression in the UK. Ambition Manchester provides personalised careers guidance, coaching and employability support, helping individuals build confidence, develop their skills and take practical steps towards the next stage of their careers.
Unable to speak any English when she first arrived in Britain, she spent the first few months “intensively studying” the English language. The former Child Phycologist said she still feels self-conscious about her native speaking abilities now but doesn’t let it hold her back from striving for the best. At the same time, she still completed a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course.
A determined Hanna secured a job as a Teaching Assistant in a pre-school, but her learning and development journey did not stop there.
After a year, she started a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy to further continue her passion for psychology she had whilst living in Ukraine.
Following a recommendation from a friend, Ambition Manchester played a key part in helping her writing a CV, searching and applying for jobs and using tools like LinkedIn once she had graduated. Hannah said she felt “overwhelmed” with the entire process until the service stepped in to assist her.
The former learner credits the relationship she had with her career advisor, Sarah, as being a huge help to her to discuss her doubts, ideas and fears throughout the job-hunting process. After period spent in “survival-mode,” she said her self‑belief has grown significantly, helping her feel more comfortable discussing her skills, seeking new opportunities, and reconnecting with her professional environment.
Hanna now runs her own private practice as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, supporting adults experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, phobias and panic attacks, working in both Ukrainian and English. Alongside her clinical work, she contributes to community and charity initiatives, including a bilingual children’s book with Opora exploring growing up between Ukrainian and British cultures, and a support group for Ukrainian teenagers focused on emotional wellbeing and soft‑skills development. She said her work now reflects both her values and her life experience.
The proud mother-of-one credited her 13‑year‑old daughter as a major source of inspiration, describing their open and supportive relationship as an important anchor during challenging times. Hanna encourages other to not struggle alone and to reach out for support, because the results can be life changing.
Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Libraries and Leisure, said:
“Stories like Hanna’s are reminder of the real and long-term impact the Manchester Adult Education Service has on our trainees. Services like the Ambition Project specialise in not only teaching, but in giving learner practical, in-progress skills which they can take into the workplace.
“Our work doesn’t stop there; working closely with learners to navigate the job market and the use of skills to accommodate each learner’s case on their learning and career journey is a vital part of the successful chapters like Hannah’s. I’m very proud to see her accomplishment so much and know she will inspire many others like her to partake in the Ambition Project.”
Hanna Nabilska, former Ambition Manchester trainee and business owner, said:
“My first impression of Ambition Manchester was very positive. I thought this programme is so human and supportive. I remember my first face-to-face meeting with my career advisor. I felt very welcome, respected, and heard.
“We talked a lot about my professional goals. I believe if I know my goals, it is 50% of success. It was very valuable for me because I was adapting to a new country, culture, language, and professional area. The most valuable thing for me was that my career advisor encouraged me to reach out if I had any questions. For people like me, it is very important to have someone on your side who believes in you, is interested in your success, and cares about your future.”
For more information about career and employment through Ambition Manchester