The first refugees to be taken on as binmen in Bristol have started their jobs as part of a new initiative to train recent arrivals in the city for jobs which will make a difference in their communities.
Mazin and Khalid Ali have successfully completed a programme called Bridge To Employment, which is run by Ashley Community Housing and supports refugees and migrants in securing local employment.
The brothers are now fully-trained refuse and recycling loaders and have joined a team collecting the bins and recycling around Bristol. More refugees and migrants are expected to graduate from the programme and get jobs both at Bristol Waste and other key roles in the city.
The partnership between ACH and Bristol Waste works both ways – as well as the programme teaching refugees how the world of employment in Bristol works, and what will be expected of them, it also means employers like Bristol Waste are supported to better understand and help overcome the challenges refugees face in adapting to a new country, new systems and a new city.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with ACH on the Bridge to Employment programme,” said Ceri Hodgkinson, Bristol Waste’s director of people. “Our work keeping Bristol clean and safe is vital to the city, and our goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
“This programme has been a fantastic step in that direction, and we understand it has made a positive difference to those who followed the programme, and especially our new colleagues who have started their career journey with Bristol Waste,” she added.
The Bridge to Employment programme has been created by ACH for the refugee and migrant community. “It focuses on providing essential skills and opportunities, especially in sectors which make a difference in their local communities,” said a ACH spokesperson. “Tailored activities included insight sessions and practical work placements, designed to support refugees and migrants to experience first-hand what it is like to work for Bristol Waste with the opportunity to secure permanent employment,” she added.
The innovative pre-employment training programme has been part-funded by Comic Relief. Participants are offered hands-on placement opportunities in various roles within the company, and after that candidates get the chance to have a job interview, and if employed, they then get six months of support.
Julia Dixon-Barrow, is the entrepreneurship and engagement manager at ACH. “This collaborative programme has provided refugees and migrants with the opportunity to contribute positively to their community. We are incredibly proud of Mazin and Khalid and we’re grateful for the support from Bristol Waste Company,” she said.