P E T-X i C A S E S T U DY
PET-Xi Supporting Ukrainian Refugees Monarch Education, a Birmingham-based recruitment firm specialising in education, is supporting Ukrainian refugees in finding work in the education sector. Monarch approached PET-Xi to assist with training the refugees so they have the required skills for a variety of careers in education. PET-Xi created a two-week course alongside Monarch Education which covered a range of topics, and five refugees from Ukraine, all between the ages of 40 and 55, enrolled on the first course after being referred by the job centre.
Support provided by PET-Xi The refugees were met by PET-Xi and Monarch in Moseley, Birmingham, to explain the course to them and outline what would be needed before they could start, such as passports and DBS checks.
Once this was completed, the five were able to take the course which consisted of a mix of topics important for work in education, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), preparation for work, personal development, and safeguarding. A work placement at local schools was also part of the course so the refugees could experience what a school environment was like. All five completed the course over the two-week period, with PET-Xi delivering the first week of work and Monarch delivering the second.
Outcomes All five passed the course, and two are now directly employed by schools, with the rest expected to be employed in September following the summer holidays. Natasha Shannon, Divisional Manager at Monarch Education, said: “The refugees taking the course had not been in the country long - some had only been here for just over a month. “At the start, there were trust issues around the need for us to check things like passports and ID, but once the procedures were made clear, they were reassured and took to the course with great enthusiasm.
Curtis Wynter, Mentor Champion at PET-Xi, said: “The five refugees really threw themselves into the course we had designed alongside Monarch, and it was clear their confidence was growing day by day. “Having the placement in local schools was a key part of the course, as although the theory sessions were important, having that hands-on experience is extremely valuable to future employers. “And it was great to work with Monarch to develop and deliver this course. We are looking forward to working with them further to help the next cohort of refugees find work in education.”
“It’s fantastic that two have already been employed directly by schools, and we are confident the other three will find work before the start of the next academic year. “We are also supporting the five to improve their English over the summer holidays, and we are already preparing for the next course in August, which will be longer to help focus on ESOL. “This course could help bridge the employment gap in schools at the moment, and many have already expressed interest in the programme we’re delivering. To find out more about the services we provide, give us a call on 03300 249 900 or email: sourcinghub@monarcheducation.com
If you would like to do the same course we would love to hear from you! To sign up call Kerri Bowers on: 07387 412 949 or email: kbowers@pet-xi.co.uk