Case study - Job Fair and Yana
A resettlement job fair was held at Skillzone training centre hosted by the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service. The event was a huge success, with 137 attendees, 24 employers and partner organisations, and interpreters.
The visitors were also joined by Andy Lewis MBE, a Paralympic Gold Medallist, who now runs a mentoring organisation, Bespoke Mentoring, with his business partner Chris Powell. They have mentored many Ukrainian young people, helping to boost their confidence and improve their life skills. Their dedication to helping these young individuals succeed in their new lives in the UK is truly remarkable, all done quietly and without seeking recognition.
The Job Fair at SkillZone in Gloucester was a great success, bringing together key partners, local employers, and organisations to meet the needs of the local migrant community.
The event was informative, with potential employers showcasing resources in a fantastic venue. Translators and interpreters were available to help with language barriers, and free refreshments were provided for all.
SkillZone, an interactive life skills village in a large warehouse, featured various installations such as a double-decker bus, a full-size house, and a trainline. These hands-on exhibits taught visitors about safety at home and in the community in a fun and engaging way, creating an exciting atmosphere for the event.
Guests were supported throughout the fair and could easily approach employers and service providers in a relaxed setting. They received valuable advice on finding work, further education, and help with finding ways to integrate into the local community.
Sara Oldroyd
GCC Migration Team member
Yana’s story
Yana, a Ukrainian refugee has seen dramatic changes in her life over the last two years. Before the war, she had a stable, fulfilling life in Ukraine. As a bank manager, she felt professionally successful and happy, while her 14-year-old daughter attended school and dreamed of becoming a doctor. They were a close-knit family with a dog and a cat, deeply connected to their homeland.
After fleeing to the UK in May 2022 through the Homes for Ukraine programme, they were welcomed by a British family in the peaceful Forest of Dean. Yana initially thought the war would end quickly, allowing them to return home. But as the conflict worsened, they settled in the UK. Yana, with her background in management and finance, applied for various jobs in her field but in the short-term took a job as a customer assistant in a department store café. This job helped her improve her English and adapt to life in the UK.
A year later, after attending job fairs and receiving guidance from a range of professionals, she secured a role in the payment department of the council. Her daughter has finished school and is now studying at Stroud College. Yana’s husband has also been able to join them in the UK, bringing the family back together. Yana and her family are grateful for the support they’ve received, and they are determined to contribute to the British society that welcomed them.