Readiness for Work

Objective

The Readiness for Work project deliver services and support for advancement of education and the relief of unemployment through the provision of advice, guidance, support and services to asylum seekers and refugees.

Aim

The project aims to break down barriers to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers can "fulfill their potential" for accessing education and employment.
  • First Phase: January 2006 to March 2008
  • Second Phase: April 2008 to March 2011
  • Locations: Dispersal areas in Wales i.e. Swansea, Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham

Approach

  • DPIA's Readiness for Work Officer holds regular one to one sessions with clients at Swansea, Cardiff and Newport providing guidance and support on training, education, volunteering and employment issues.
  • After completing a skill audit and need analysis, an action and personal development plan is developed and followed through consultations.
  • The clients are advised, encouraged and supported in
    • Choosing appropriate training and education courses
    • Finding volunteering opportunities
    • Writing CVs
    • Searching jobs
    • Completing job applications and
    • Interview techniques
  • The project also delivers work place related training courses to make clients job ready. The training sessions include Health and Safety, Manual Handling, First Aid, Food Hygiene and safety.
  • The project liaises with key agencies in government, voluntary and charity sectors including refugee community organizations, and receives continuous client referrals from these agencies.
  • Network and develop partnership with other education and training providers in Wales to help asylum seekers and refugees towards their goals.

Partners and Referring Agencies

Our main referring agency is the Welsh Refugee Council. In addition, referrals are also received from the British Red Cross, Refugee Voice Wales, Race Equality Councils (SBREC, SEWREC and REF), Swansea Bay Asylum Seekers Support Group (SBASSG), Newport & District Refugee Support Group (NDRSG), Welsh Consortium for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants (WCRASM), the Asylum Teams of Swansea, Cardiff and Newport Councils, Housing Associations, Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) and Local Colleges (Coleg Gwent and Swansea College), SOVA, GEMS, SCVS and many Refugee Community Organisations. The project also integrates with DPIA's Young Peoples & Children, Inclusion and Community development projects.

Funders



Some of our funders;

The National Lottery
The Tudor Trust
St. David's Uniting Church, Pontypridd


Mr. Mamoun Bashir, Director, Ms. Sian Summers, DPIA Coordinator and Rev. Aled Edwards, the Chair of DPIA holds the cheque for the Big Lottery Fund Grant to DPIA

Contact: Readiness for Work Officer
Dr. Minkesh Sood
minkeshdpiawales@yahoo.co.uk
07973 997 814

Readiness for Work: Some Images



Women practising IT skills learnt in FIT Course through volunteering for DPIA


Women practising IT skills learnt in FIT Course through volunteering for DPIA


1st Batch of Foundation in IT Course Trainees on Project Presentation Day


IT Trainees presenting their projects


The FIT Course trainees with project reports


A mixed group of men and women attending and benefiting from the First Aid training at Newport


Participants with the Chief Guest and RfW Officer after receiving their certificates for various training courses


DPIA staff members with Assistant Chief Constable of Police at the DPIA Stall during the South Wales Police Open Day at Bridgend on 29th June 2008


Families enjoying themselves at the SW Police Open Day at Bridgend on 29th June. They all benefited from the transport provided by DPIA for the event


A participant receiving her IT Certificate from Ms. Sian Summers, DPIA's Coordinator as Minkesh looks at her proud daughters during the Refugee Week Celebrations at Swansea


For his consistent learning efforts and volunteering, Mr. Mamoun Bashir was awarded the Work Place Learner of the Year Award by NIACE at Swansea. Mr Bashir was nominated by Minkesh Sood - DPIA's readiness for work officer.