Ukranian resident starts work with our support
Working collaboratively with stakeholders, Northumberland County Council plays a pivotal role in supporting residents into meaningful and sustainable employment.
Oleksander arrived in Northumberland in 2023, fleeing the war in Ukraine like many other Ukrainian residents in the county. Eager to find work but facing challenges, Oleksander was referred to the Restart Scheme for additional employment support, where he met Andrea Suffield, his employment coach.
When Oleksander first joined Restart, he was determined to find work straight away. With limited English language proficiency, he had struggled to pass the knowledge test for a private taxi driver role and felt uncertain about his next steps. Andrea immediately recognised the barriers Oleksander faced and committed to helping him find a role suited to his skills and interests. Understanding the communication challenges, the employment coach involved Iryna Zhomer, a Ukrainian speaking employment partnership coordinator, who provided interpretation services. This collaboration ensured Oleksander could fully participate in the process and feel supported throughout.
Iryna attended all Oleksander’s Restart face-to-face meetings and follow ups, provided integral support between telephone calls, text messages and emails.
In December, Oleksander successfully passed the NCC knowledge test, where Iryna had been given the permission to transcribe, and he would commence employment as a School Minibus Driver working for Ken Muckle Coaches.
Reflecting on this success and her role, Iryna shared: ‘For many Ukrainians, like Oleksander, the journey to employment is not just about finding a job – it’s about regaining hope and rebuilding their future. I am proud to have been part of Oleksander’s journey and to see him succeed despite the challenges he faced.’
Oleksander credits Andrea and Iryna’s support as a key factor in his success, saying:’ I am incredibly grateful to Andrea and Iryna for their unwavering help and encouragement. Their dedication made all the difference, and without them, I doubt I would have been able to find such a suitable and enjoyable job.’