From Participant to Employment Advisor: Mohammed's Story

During Refugee Week last month, we spoke to new Employment Advisor, Mohammed. 
 
Mohammed, who arrived in the UK in 2020, shares his journey as a refugee and the challenges he faced along the way. He now draws on these experiences to empower and inspire REP participants in South Yorkshire. 
 
Mohammed’s journey to the UK 
  
I was born and raised in Kuwait, and in December 2015 at the age of 23, I left as a stateless person and moved to Sweden, where I remained for four and a half years. Despite immersing myself in the language and attempting to assimilate into Swedish society, unfortunately I was not granted refugee status, and felt that my time had been wasted. I lacked the right to work or study, and there were no local support organisations available to help me.  
  
In July 2020, I decided to travel to the UK via Germany and France. Despite facing some difficult challenges on my journey, I persevered, and successfully made my way to the UK seeking a fresh start and the opportunity to lead a normal life. For over two years, I lived as an asylum seeker, unable to work but thankfully able to pursue education, which involved taking GCSEs in English and Maths, despite holding a degree in English Linguistics and Literature. In September 2022 I was granted refugee status, and I went on to study engineering at college in Sheffield. 
  
Overcoming Barriers to Employment 
 
 Although I had extensive experience as a DynCorp (US Army) Liaison Officer in Kuwait, finding employment in the UK came with its challenges. 
 
I was facing homelessness upon leaving my Home Office accommodation which posed a significant barrier, as securing stable accommodation is essential for any prospective job seeker. This challenge was further compounded by the demands of full-time studying, which consumed much of my time and energy. As someone new to the UK, I also encountered difficulties navigating the job market and understanding the employment requirements specific to this country. 
 
I took the initiative to familiarise myself with the UK's employment landscape, seeking guidance and support from Voluntary Action and later from the Restart programme. This enabled me to better understand the requirements and expectations of employers in the UK, enhancing my preparedness for the job search process and helping me improve my interview skills.   
 
After months of perseverance, I found a stable place to live, and by April, I had completed almost all my assignments. Soon after, I applied for the role of employment advisor with REP, and successfully started my new role after nine years of unemployment. 
  
 Supporting Refugees through REP 
  
In my role as an employment advisor, my primary objective is to provide comprehensive support to people who may be facing challenges like those I encountered on my own journey. 
  
I recognise the importance of addressing the needs of REP participants, many of whom may have experienced displacement, uncertainty, and barriers to employment. By using my first-hand understanding of these challenges, I aim to create a supportive and empathetic environment, where individuals feel heard, understood, and valued. 
 
I want to equip participants with the necessary practical skills and resources to effectively highlight their qualifications and experiences, such as CV writing and interview skills, while also recognising the importance of addressing other cultural factors, such as promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. It is also important to me to advocate for the removal of systemic barriers that hinder the participation of refugees and other marginalised groups in the workforce.  
  
My goal as an employment advisor for REP is to empower people to realise their full potential and achieve meaningful employment. By combining my professional expertise with my lived experiences, I want to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals seeking to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.  
  
It seems ironic that my first job after nine years of unemployment is as an employment advisor, but that goes to tell you: nothing is impossible.