Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme is launched

Of more than 100 Ukrainians to have signed up, some are highly trained in the managerial, medical, banking and legal professions...the County Council is working hard, including through its Fair Chance Employment Programme, to find each individual the most appropriate job.  

Ukrainians building a life in Warwickshire will be supported by a new programme which will connect them to employers to whom their skills are just what is required. 

The Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme has been designed by the Warwickshire Skills Hub team to help Ukrainians access employment and explore how their skills can translate into opportunities. 

The programme will run a series of workshops to outline employment options while also working with individuals to rebuild their confidence and discuss types of jobs which suit them and their home life.  

A recent survey of the Ukrainian community provided information which has helped the Warwickshire Skills Hub team understand how the employment needs of the Ukrainian community may change in the coming months. Of Ukrainians in Warwickshire, 21% are still employed in their native land but expect to move their employment to the UK while 70% would be willing to convert their Ukraine qualification to gain skilled work in the UK. 

Of more than 100 Ukrainians to have signed up for support, some are highly trained in the managerial, medical, banking and legal professions but currently working outside their area of expertise. The County Council is working hard, including through its Fair Chance Employment Programme, to find each individual the most appropriate job.  

Stephen Hall, Project Officer for the Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme said: “It is really enjoyable working with the Ukraine communities and I really admire their strength and resilience. Despite the trauma of being forced out of their homeland and the uncertainty of how long they will remain in Warwickshire, all the Ukrainians we have engaged with simply want to be independent and gain employment to offer their families the security they need.” 

The weekly workshops, delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire CDA, will flag up access to sources of wider community services and support across the county for people forced out of their homeland.  They will be delivered in libraries county-wide including Leamington, Stratford, Rugby, Nuneaton, Atherstone and Bedworth.

The workshop activities available include:  

* One to one and group employment support  

*CVs, applications and covering letter support  

* Confidence building and wellbeing support  

*Digital skills and practical support  

*Job Searching Support    

Any businesses who wish to share any vacancies they may have or join employment sessions to showcase their job opportunities is asked to contact skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk

Warwickshire County Council's Strategic Head of Communities, Mark Ryder, said: "We are delighted to launch the Ukrainian Working in Warwickshire Programme. This brand new and unique programme will offer Warwickshire’s Ukrainian community the opportunity to gain employment support and direct access to Warwickshire job opportunities."