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UK: Job boost for Kurdish refugee
24.6.2008
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June
24, 2008
UK, — A refugee who ended up struggling to
live in Sheffield after fleeing war-torn Iraq has
got a full time job thanks to an innovative
employment programme.
Kurdish refugee Mohammad Amin Ahmed came to
Sheffield in 2003 and now has a full-time job as an
adult trainee with Kier Sheffield, thanks to BOPPS –
Burngreave Opportunities programme.
"At first finding work here was a real struggle and
I was on income support but still desperately trying
to get a job in the construction industry," says Mr
Ahmed,www.ekurd.net
who had to leave his
wife and son when he fled Iraq, but now hopes to be
able to bring them to Britain. |
Mohammed Amin Ahmed |
"Back home I was a qualified electrician with over
20 years of experience. I also did tiling,
plastering and general building, so wanted to put my
skills to good use over here."
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His luck changed after he heard from a friend about
BOPPS, a partnership between Burngreave New Deal for
Communities, careers advisers Sheffield Futures and
Sheffield Centre for Full Employment's JobNet
service.
BOPPS, based at Forum House on Spital Hill, helps
Burngreave residents to gain job skills and
expertise and support when they seek employment.
During the last year it has helped almost 300 people
to find employment
"I was so happy to be put in touch with BOPPS – they
helped me to get my CV in order and the staff were
so helpful," says Mr Ahmed.
"Soon after they put me in contact with Kier and I
was really pleased to have an interview and then be
appointed in a full-time position. It allows me to
get practical experience on the job for three days a
week and for the remaining two days work towards
gaining a relevant qualification."
Kier Sheffield's training officer, Andrew Biggin,
says schemes like BOPPS helps it access what is
often an untapped wealth of talent and expertise.
"Mohammad is a prime example because he was already
a very skilled tradesman, so is just the kind of
person we are looking for. He is now progressing
well to get the UK qualifications and experience he
needs to develop a career with us," said Mr Biggin.
For more information about BOPPS, contact Vicky
Brennan, tel: 0114 272 6096.
Copyright, respective author or news agency,
thestar co.uk
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