Maggie and Bruce struggled to find work after getting refugee status. We provided training and support to help them secure jobs that match their skills and experience. Now, thanks to their hard work and determination, they have bought their first home in Scotland.
The couple studied electrical engineering in their home country, Iran. After graduating, Bruce became a site manager for a large construction company. But, as a woman, Maggie was prevented from working in her chosen field by the country’s restrictive regime.
Worried their two children would have to live in a culture of fear and repression, Maggie and Bruce made the difficult decision to flee their home and came to Scotland in search of safety.
After getting refugee status, the couple began looking for work. But for new refugees, finding a job can be very challenging.
Bruce said: “It was in a very difficult and stressful situation for both of us. The UK has a completely different culture and process for applying for jobs. Language was a barrier. We both studied and I have lots of experience in the construction field. I would know how to do the job but couldn’t fully explain in English. Our confidence was very low because of that. “We faced financial difficulties. It was very hard with two children.”
Maggie did a Masters in Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems at the University of Strathclyde. But even with her new qualification, she struggled to get a foot on the ladder.
She said: “When we arrived in Scotland, we didn’t know about anything about the UK. We didn’t speak the language. We didn’t understand how the job market worked here. People told me to forget about my degree and focus on skills like hairdressing and cooking.
“It was frustrating and heart-breaking. My dream was to get a job where I could use my qualifications. But I found myself back in the same situation. I thought, ‘should I give up on my dreams?’ It really hurt my confidence. I started questioning if I’d ever work in the field I loved.
“I remember Bruce trying to get the same kind of job he had in Iran. Unfortunately, he couldn’t pass the interview. He was so disappointed and unhappy. Scottish Refugee Council helped him build hope.”
Our Refugee Support Service provides information, training and advice to help people like Maggie and Bruce build skills and confidence to find work in Scotland.
We also collaborate with a wide range of employers to make recruitment more accessible for people from refugee backgrounds.
We offered Maggie a place on a training programme, run in partnership with IKEA to help refugees gain a better understanding of the UK job market, learn new skills, work on their CVs and practice their interview skills. When the programme ended, Maggie successfully applied for an eight-week paid work placement with IKEA and was then offered a permanent job.
She started out on the shop floor but was soon promoted to the company’s sustainability team. Working at IKEA helped boost Maggie’s confidence and her English language skills.
After gaining valuable experience in the workplace, she decided to pursue her dream career and got a new job working as a climate solution engineer.
Maggie said: “The employment support from Scottish Refugee Council has been life-changing. The confidence and sense of direction I’ve gained has been priceless. I feel stronger and more determined and hopeful. I’ve learnt to trust in my abilities and not let others hold me back.”
Meanwhile, Bruce secured a job with another of our partner employers, Esteem Training Ltd, a company that delivers training for the construction industry. We worked closely with Esteem to review their recruitment process and make small changes – like replacing telephone interviews with video calls – to help break down barriers for people from refugee backgrounds.
Bruce said: “I’ve received unbelievable support from Esteem. I started as an assistant. Six months later, I got promoted and now I am a qualified assessor.
“They focus on what I can bring and my skills and experience. This has helped me gain confidence and do my best at the job. I have now managed to help more than 200 people get their qualifications in construction. I feel valued and my confidence is much, much better.”
With both Maggie and Bruce working full time, the couple were able to save money for a deposit and approach banks about getting a mortgage. Before long, they were picking up the keys to their new home.
Maggie said: “Owning a home feels like a dream come true. We moved in in November. It feels amazing. Knowing my children have a safe and secure place to grow up means the world to me. It’s a symbol of everything we have overcome and achieved.
“When we came to Glasgow, the support for newcomers was great. Now, we can work and pay tax so the government can help other people.”
Maggie was recently approached by Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT), who were looking for candidates to conduct research into renewables at the University of Strathclyde. She is delighted to be taking the next step on her career journey after beginning a fully-funded PhD focused on renewable energy.
She said: “I hope to complete my PhD, contribute to the field of engineering and inspire others along the way. I also want to contribute to helping other refugees on their journey. If I can make the journey pass a little easier for someone else I will feel like I have given back.”
Bruce added: “My advice to other new refugees is that everything is possible. The first few years after getting refugee status is difficult but you see the light at the end of the tunnel. It takes time, but just keep going. Never give up”
“I hope to continue working with Esteem. I also want also to support and advise other refugees and use my own experience to help them build successful lives in Scotland.”
Our Refugee Support Service provides a range of information, training and opportunities to help people look for work after getting refugee status, break down recruitment barriers and unlock skills within the refugee community.
Find out more about the support we offer and how you can get involved.
*Names have been changed
