Through our Skillsmatch project, we match refugees and people seeking asylum to regular volunteer placements that will support you to build skills and knowledge for work in the UK.
We will provide one-to-one and group support to help you apply for placements you are interested in and build your confidence in preparing for and attending interviews.We will support you to use or develop the skills and knowledge you have, so you can gain experience in a UK work environment which will support you to take steps towards work in the future. People taken part in placements in many different sectors and work places, including in the health and social care sector, schools, local government, charities and businesses.
Through our Skillsmatch project, we broker relationships between organisations and skilled people. We work in the local community and listen to the needs expressed by employers.
Feedback from placement providers has shown that hosting a Skillsmatch placement can improve innovation through diversity of ideas, and can create pathways to work in areas with skills shortages.
We provide ongoing support to Skillsmatch placement providers, including ‘Lunch and Learn’ training and workshops exploring workplace inclusion and what it means to work across cultures.
Our Skillsmatch brochure shares more information on working with us.
If you are a business or organisation interested in working with us to provide a placement, please get in touch.
“[The most significant change for me was] “Getting my job. Your confidence in me, seeing something in me and thinking I could do it. After placement, coming here and hearing you saying we believe in you; I didn’t know I could do it. Before I didn’t have confidence. I felt like I didn’t belong here. But now I know I belong, and I have something alive in me I didn’t know was there” James Kamara, who is now working at Positive Support for You after completing his Skillsmatch placement.
We’re now actually recruiting people from ethnic minorities in our company. It wasn’t that we didn’t want to, it was that we couldn’t attract and reach people. Doing this work with Refugee Futures has meant we’ve been able to attract people. [...] They’re great people and just make you smile! James is a bundle of happiness – the three people he supports think he is great” Catriona Macdonald, Director of Operations, Positive Support for You, Skillsmatch Placement Provide