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Creating Opportunities for Refugees in Apprenticeships and Employment

Esteem Training has always believed in the transformative power of providing opportunities to all, including creating opportunities for refugees. We understand that particular skillsets can exist anywhere, but the environment may not nurture them enough to excel in the industries that need them. Refugees face numerous barriers when accessing apprenticeships and employment.
Understanding the Challenges and Key Stakeholders
Language and Qualification Barriers
Language is one of the most significant challenges for refugees. Difficulties in communication can hinder refugees from showcasing their expertise and can lead to diminished confidence and motivation. Older refugees find it particularly challenging to learn a new language, compounding the issue.
Presenting educational certificates is another major hurdle. Refugees often struggle with transferring, translating, and adapting their educational documents. Many apprenticeship programmes demand specific UK qualifications, and online automated portals frequently block applications that don’t appear to meet these criteria when, in fact, they do. Additionally, UK employers often undervalue qualifications obtained abroad, resulting in previous qualifications being ignored.
Legal, Discrimination, and Trust Issues
A lack of understanding among employers about the legal aspects of refugee status can deter them from hiring refugees. Discrimination, both overt and subtle, also poses significant challenges. Refugees often experience bias in hiring practices and are sometimes offered non-professional positions after completing professional apprenticeships.
Trust issues are multifaceted. Refugees might be reluctant to share personal information due to fears of reprisals or because of negative past experiences. Moreover, mental and psychological distress, exacerbated by the barriers mentioned, can significantly hinder their decision-making and learning abilities.
Support Networks and Stakeholders

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Organisations like the Scottish Refugee Council, Migrant Help, and Refugee Action provide essential support, including legal assistance, language training, and access to education and training opportunities. Employers and industry associations, such as Cemvo, Scottish Training Federation (STF), and Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), play a pivotal role in offering apprenticeship opportunities for refugees and advocating for inclusive hiring practices.
Government agencies like Skills Development Scotland, JobCentre Plus, and the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) design and implement policies related to apprenticeships and refugee integration, providing funding, incentives, and guidance to facilitate refugee participation. Schools, colleges, and training providers offer apprenticeship programmes and vocational training opportunities, ensuring their programmes are accessible to refugees and providing support for language learning and skills development. Healthcare providers, including the NHS and private practices, support refugees by addressing mental health issues, boosting their confidence and overall well-being.
Community organisations and advocacy groups, such as the Iranian Scottish Association and Cemvo, raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and advocate for policy changes. Refugees themselves are key stakeholders, and their experiences and perspectives should be central to efforts aimed at improving access to apprenticeship programmes and integrating them into the workforce.
Showcasing Employer Good Practices
The Scottish Refugee Council exemplifies good practice by supporting refugees through apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with major companies like Starbucks and Ikea. These partnerships help refugees secure permanent employment and gain practical experience.

Esteem Training has engaged with the Scottish Refugee Council over the last five years, to promote and provide opportunities for refugees to thrive, and we have been fortunate enough to have been introduced to Kai and Behrooz, who have become key members of our team. Working closely with The Scottish Refugee Council allowed Esteem Training to understand the barriers and support measures.
Kai, a refugee and Employee Owner of Esteem Training, shared his positive experience with the Scottish Refugee Council:
“The Scottish Refugee Council has provided me and my family with a range of support, including legal guidance, employability training, apprenticeship programme access, employer connections, and funding for training courses.”

Behrooz, another valued employee owner at Esteem, also shared his experience: “The constant support and encouragement from the team at Esteem have been very important in rebuilding my confidence and helping me handle new challenges. I am very thankful for the opportunities given to me, which have helped me do well in my role and contribute positively to the company. With the mentorship and training programs at Esteem, I have improved my construction skills and adjusted easily to the new work environment. Also, being part of such a diverse and inclusive workplace has made my experience better and widened my perspective.”
Kai also received support from Esteem Training, where he felt a genuine sense of belonging and recognition for his abilities:

“I have enjoyed fulfilling work experiences at Esteem Training, where I have been given ample opportunities to thrive within the organisation. The company has invested time in my integration, provided various training courses, and demonstrated trust and recognition in my abilities and experiences. I have felt a genuine sense of belonging, akin to being part of the company’s family.”
Final Thoughts
We believe that proficiency in English is crucial for accessing opportunities. However, many talented refugees with lower levels of English proficiency are often excluded. Employers’ lack of understanding regarding visas and refugee status further complicates the situation. Recruitment processes that demand UK-specific qualifications or use language requirements as barriers discourage refugees from applying.
Despite these challenges, it is important to recognize and support the potential of refugees. By addressing these barriers and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, we can create more inclusive and supportive pathways to employment for refugees.
Together, we can break down barriers and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background.
Take Action Today
To learn more about how your business can support refugees and contribute to an inclusive workforce, visit the Scottish Refugee Council. Join us in creating opportunities for refugees that enrich our organisations and our communities.
To learn more about Esteem Trainings Vision – See About Us.
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