World Refugee Day

Yuliia

Yuliia's struggle with unemployment began in September 2022, a time when job opportunities were scarce in her home country of Ukraine. Despite her passion for the logistics field, she found that most positions required extensive experience. Determined to overcome this barrier, Yuliia made a bold decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, where she anticipated encountering a different set of challenges – specifically, the lack of qualifications. To combat this obstacle, she embarked on a journey to become a qualified interpreter, hoping to find work in that field.

As Yuliia was preparing to start her interpreter training, she attended her very first appointment with PeoplePlus, where she met her Key Worker, Debi. It was during this meeting that Yuliia's life took an unexpected and joyous turn. Recognising Yuliia's potential, Debi saw a perfect fit for a Key Worker position within PeoplePlus.

The support Yuliia received went beyond simply offering a job. With colleagues like Debi, Lee, Claire, and David, Yuliia found a network of friendly faces willing to lend a helping hand at every step. As someone who had never been involved in the employability industry before, Yuliia was provided with comprehensive training. Whenever faced with unexpected challenges, the team was always there, ready to offer practical advice and guidance. It was an environment where Yuliia felt valued, respected, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.

Today, Yuliia has found her true calling as a Key Worker for Ukrainian participants on the Fair Start Scotland programme. Yuliia's work extends beyond language barriers, as she finds creative ways to help participants overcome hurdles and find suitable employment. 

When asked about her time with the Fair Start Scotland service, Yuliia couldn't help but express her deep appreciation for her colleagues. Thanks to their support, she has developed a profound fondness for Scotland and its people. Each day, she eagerly enters the office, knowing she will be greeted with warmth and a true sense of belonging.

Inna

Inna, an ambitious individual hailing from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, has emerged as a shining example of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.

With a degree in law, graduating with honours from her university as a paralegal, Inna set her sights on a promising career in the legal field. However, upon her arrival in Glasgow, she encountered an unexpected obstacle: the language barrier that hindered her ability to pursue her desired profession.

Undeterred by this setback, Inna's strong work ethic compelled her to seek alternative paths to employment. Recognising that sitting idle was not an option for her, she decided to join Fair Start Scotland—a service designed to assist individuals in their journey towards securing sustainable employment. It was through this service that Inna found support and guidance, paving the way for her success.

Though her spoken English remained a challenge, Inna's determination to contribute to society and make a difference propelled her forward. With the help and support of Fair Start Scotland, she was able to secure a job as a housekeeper. While it wasn't an ideal fit for her skillset and aspirations, Inna demonstrated her adaptability.

Not content with settling for a job that didn't align with her abilities, Inna continued to seek new opportunities to fulfil her potential. With the support of Fair Start Scotland, she embarked on a journey into the hospitality industry. Through their guidance and assistance, Inna successfully transitioned into a role that showcased her talents and provided her with a fulfilling career path. Remarkably, this transition was seamless, leaving no gaps in her employment history.

While Inna still faces challenges with the English language, her commitment to personal growth and professional development remains unshakable. By attending the office regularly and now being gainfully employed, she has found a supportive environment that is helping her improve her English and boost her confidence.

Paul

Last year, amidst the hustle and bustle of the Garnethill community, Fair Start Scotland Engagement Key Worker BB had the privilege of meeting Paul for the first time. Paul, at that time, was volunteering at the new food bank, eager to contribute despite facing the agonising wait of over three years for his right to work documents.

In those uncertain times, we made a promise to Paul - that when the day finally came when he received his Work Permit, we would stand by his side, supporting him in his quest to find work. Little did we know that this promise would be the beginning of a remarkable journey.

A few months later, Paul returned to us with incredible news - his asylum had been granted, and he now possessed the precious Work Permit he had longed for. Without hesitation, we signed him up, and he embarked on his journey with us, working alongside the incredible Key Worker Nikki.

Nikki played a pivotal role in preparing and supporting Paul. With her help, Paul secured his first-ever paid job in the UK, a milestone that filled him with pride and gratitude.

But the story doesn't end there. Paul shared even more astonishing news - he had been accepted into the Scottish Merchant Navy as a trainee cadet. This incredible opportunity meant that he would receive paid training, a fast-track to success, and a role as a merchant navy cadet!

Yurii

Yurii, a hardworking individual who immigrated from Ukraine, has triumphed over a challenging language barrier to find employment in his desired field.

Having worked tirelessly on various construction sites as a General Labourer before his arrival in Scotland, Yurii faced a significant hurdle when seeking similar positions in Glasgow and Coatbridge. The language barrier posed a real challenge, his ability to communicate effectively during job interviews was hindering his chances of finding suitable employment.

Through a series of appointments with his Key Worker Yuliia at PeoplePlus Scotland, she took the time to understand Yurii's work expectations and assisted him in assessing realistic job prospects in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. Together, they identified potential avenues such as cleaning and warehousing, while also agreeing to work towards obtaining Yurii's CSCS card.

Although progress was initially slow, Yuliia refused to give up. Through diligent research and networking, she managed to secure a job opportunity for Yurii as a Factory Operative in Uddingston. This placement held special significance as several fellow Ukrainians had previously found success with the same employer.

Recognising the importance of a smooth transition, PeoplePlus provided him with work clothes, covered his travel expenses, and offered continuous support to ensure he had everything he needs to thrive in his new role.

While obtaining his CSCS card remains a longer-term aspiration, Yurii is ecstatic to gain valuable employment experience in Scotland and be earning his own income. He firmly believes in being self-reliant and making a positive contribution to his local community.

Anton

Anton, a 25-year-old Ukrainian refugee, found his path to a brighter future in Scotland. Thanks to the support from PeoplePlus, Anton has landed a promising job as an apprentice joiner.

Anton's journey began when he arrived in Scotland as a refugee and was living with a sponsor, seeking an opportunity to improve his employment prospects. He faced several challenges, including the need to overcome child poverty characteristics that affected him deeply. It was during this time that he encountered the Engagement team at PeoplePlus Scotland, who recognised his potential.

Upon meeting his Key Worker, David, Anton found a compassionate mentor who worked tirelessly to understand his aspirations. David played a vital role in building Anton's self-confidence and trust, while also building his employability skills. Anton improved his interview techniques and communication abilities, thanks to the in-house courses offered on the Fair Start Scotland programme.

With his newfound confidence and skills, Anton was introduced to the Employer Engagement team, who collaborated with David to find a fitting opportunity for him. Anton expressed a strong interest in becoming an apprentice joiner, and together, they scouted local companies for potential openings.

The hard work paid off when Anton was invited for an interview at a reputable local company, leading to an offer that left Anton elated and grateful for the chance he had been given. The job will not only allow him to develop professionally but also provide him with the financial stability to eventually move into his own place, granting him the independence he aspires to and a better quality of life.

Reflecting on his journey, Anton shared, "I am incredibly thankful to PeoplePlus and David for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way. They've given me a chance to build a future here in Scotland, and I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to become an apprentice joiner."