UHI Moray is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. We offer further and higher education across a diverse array of subject areas, including short, flexible provision and a comprehensive range of apprenticeship and employability programmes.
We deliver programmes in collaboration with the Department of Work and Pensions, Skills Development Scotland, and the Local Employability Partnership for Moray, in partnership with various agencies.
In addition to employability activities, UHI Moray organised Wellbeing Group Sessions for refugees to provide opportunities for them to socialise in English while simultaneously learning new skills. The sessions included:
Moray
May 2023 – November 2023
Refugees
Supporting refugees in employability skills
Our proposed approach for the project was to support at least 30 refugees from May to November 2023 in building skills and confidence, developing employability skills, and connecting them with potential employers. The overarching aim was to facilitate the community integration of refugees and assist them in moving closer to the job market.
We aimed to connect refugees with employers to provide opportunities that enhanced their integration into the community and helped them progress towards employment.
Overall, we received 26 referrals, of which only 20 refugees were officially involved in the project, primarily due to client unsuitability or disengagement at the referral stage.
Clients were particularly eager to explore how their qualifications compared to Scottish and UK equivalents, which helped them understand where they might fit in the UK job and skills market. 32% of project clients utilised this service, with additional refugees expressing interest in the translation and conversion service after the project concluded.
Supporting New Scots Welcome Event Mental Health First Aid Printmaking Workshop (Art) Gardening, Yoga and Mindfulness Day Photography Workshop Bushcraft, Foraging and Campfire Cooking Nature Session Supporting New Scots Celebration Event
Language barriers: We initially planned to meet with our refugee clients once a week for an hour-long appointment but found that additional time was necessary due to language barriers.
Personal barriers: Various challenges, such as personal barriers and low English proficiency, hindered some outcomes for clients aiming to secure employment within 2–3 months.
Expectations: Many clients had high-level qualifications and established careers before resettling in the UK, but often had to apply for lower-paid positions in manual labour sectors until their English improved.
Referrals: Despite employing various marketing methods and maintaining a regular presence at the Refugee Resettlement Drop-In sessions with Moray Council, generating referrals proved challenging at times.
Disengagement: Disengagement often stemmed from personal barriers and competing priorities, and potential duplication of services within the Moray Pathways partnership may have contributed.
Ultimately, the project’s good practice was reinforced by the clients’ sheer motivation and engagement. Positive relationships were formed between UHI Moray and Refugee clients and trust was instilled.
Client determination and resilience combined with provider passion and empathy, allowed for a strong and successful working partnership, which we believe was a true part of what made this project a unique and honoured experience for all parties involved.
This can be seen in the case studies we collected from project participants, which reflects the support received as well as the relationship forged as a result.
In closing, we would like to thank you for giving UHI Moray the opportunity to be involved in a one-of-a-kind project such as this. It has been a privilege to serve Refugees and we hope to get the opportunity to do a similar project in the future.
