Next steps for refugees
The image of construction as a male-dominated sector is long out of date.
Instead, it’s a highly diverse and welcoming industry, employing people from a range of backgrounds.
How can refugees start applying for construction jobs?
Applying for construction jobs
Whether it’s an apprenticeship, on-site role or administrative job, construction caters for all skill-sets. Our Career Explorer provides a list of roles which refugees could get involved in.
When applying for an opportunity, refugees might need to submit the following documents to an employer:
- A tailored covering letter and CV, outlining relevant skills, qualifications and any past work experience from their home country
- Proof of their Biometric Residence Permit and National Insurance number
- Any other documents requested by a prospective employer, such as forms from HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office
What opportunities can the sector provide?
The chance to start a new career
How a geologist from Iran found a new career path in the UKTransitions is an agency based in London, helping skilled refugees find work opportunities in the UK. This is one of their success stories, from a lady called Narges.
After leaving Iran, geologist Narges originally took on volunteering and customer service roles to boost her English and gain references. After getting in touch with the Refugee Council and Transitions, she was encouraged to refine her CV and learn more about her industry from experts.
With further assistance from not-for-profit organisation Women in Construction, she initially secured a two-week work placement with DSJV. This then led to a civil engineering apprenticeship with the firm – and the chance to start a new career.
I now feel more confident and have hope for my future.
Further information
Find out more information about careers in the building sector on our What’s it like working in construction? page
Further guidance on accessing the employment market as a refugee is available from the Refugee Council