Mukhtar’s Experience on 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.  
 
Mukhtar is just one of our service users who has secured employment with help from the programme. 

Mukhtar’s Journey on REP 

Mukhtar, 22, joined the Refugee Employability Programme in January 2024, he is originally from Afghanistan where he had a rewarding job working with the Afghanistan National Athletic Team. 

Mukhtar referred himself to the programme after struggling to find work. At the time, his English proficiency was limited, therefore he struggled with language barriers between respective employers. He also didn’t have the experience that most roles were looking for. 

Once on the programme, he was matched with Employment Advisor, Mohammad, who helped him construct a CV and cover letter and supported him in applying for suitable roles. When Mukhtar found himself struggling to source food, Mohammad also referred him to the Unity Centre Food Bank in Rotherham where he was able to pick up halal food parcels. 

After job hunting for months with no avail, Mukhtar’s application was successful, and he was offered a job as a Warehouse Operative at a local Tesco Distribution Centre where he recently started work. He is now on our In Work Support Programme which we offer to service users who have secured employment, we offer this for up to 6 months once the individual has started employment. 

Mukhtar’s Words of Encouragement to Other Refugees 

Of the programme, Mukhtar commented “it’s a really good programme and my employment advisor Mohammad was a fantastic man, he really helped me. 
 
“When I also had a problem with my BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card, Mohammad supported me with no hesitations. I would encourage people who may be experiencing problems like mine to seek support from the programme”. 

A Few Words from Employment Advisor, Mohammad 

Of supporting Mukhtar, Mohammad said “I really enjoyed helping and supporting Mukhtar and it was nice working with him, from day one he was incredibly motivated and excited to be part of the programme. 

“When he contacted me to let me know he had been offered a job, he was so excited, and I was quick to congratulate him. He now attends his In Work Support sessions regularly and has a bright future ahead”. 

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