Amanullah’s story: A Journey to Employment with the Refugee Employability Programme

The Refugee Employability Programme (REP) supports refugees into sustained employment by providing individually tailored employability sessions, English language tuition, and help with job applications and access to vocational training. 
 
We also support individuals with community integration, which may include accessing services such as GPs, job centres, transport, or signposting to community groups and mental health services, with a focus on providing locally informed advice to best support refugees to settle and thrive. 
Amanullah is just one of the people who has benefitted from our programme. 
 
Amanullah’s Barriers to Work 
 
Amanullah, 29, was born in Afghanistan and came to the UK in January 2023. In September of the same year, he was granted refugee status, and two months later he joined REP following a referral from the local council. 
 
Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in science and computer science, Amanullah found it challenging to find roles suited to his skill set in the UK job market, as international qualifications are often non-transferable in the UK, and he lacked certain experience relevant to the job adverts.  
 
Finding Support through REP 
 
When Amanullah came to REP, he already possessed strong English skills but required support in his search for employment and understanding of the job market. He was paired with Employment Advisor Eamonn who helped him refine his CV, polish his interview skills, and identify suitable job opportunities to apply for. 
 
Within a short time, Amanullah’s confidence grew, and he became self-sufficient in his job search and applications, resulting in multiple interview invitations.  
 
Words of Encouragement 
 
During his time on REP, Amanullah required last-minute preparation for an interview invite which came at short notice and reached out to Eamonn for support. Eamonn promptly scheduled an appointment, and after mock interview practice and reassurance from his advisor, Amanullah felt prepared to tackle the interview process. 
 
Amanullah commented: “My meeting with Eamonn put my mind at ease and I felt ready for the interview after his words of encouragement.” 
 
The preparations paid off, and Amanullah successfully secured a role as a bilingual support officer. 
 
Reflecting on his experience with REP, Amanullah expressed gratitude for the support he received. 
 
He said: “I would recommend REP to any refugee who is currently struggling. The support is invaluable, and no request is too much for the employment advisors. 
 
“If you set a goal, REP will help you reach it. If you need employment or English support, the dedicated advisors will give you that support with no hesitation.” 

Find Out More 

If you would like to find out more, visit our website or call 0800 368 0990.