NVSC

OLMEC is a dynamic community investment foundation, committed to tackling race inequality through economic and social justice programmes. Over the past five years, through its Solid Foundations programme, OLMEC has been working with refugee communities in London and enabled hundreds of refugees to move into sustainable employment.

The Solid Foundations programme works with refugee engineers with previous work experience in their country of origin, but who have been unable to secure employment in the UK. Solid Foundations provides them with free one-to-one support, employability skills training and work experience opportunities with leading engineering projects and companies, such as Crossrail and TfL, to boost their career prospects. With 80% of refugees supported finding employment at the end of the scheme, the programme is highly effective.

Ismail Shekhkelo, a Syrian engineer with 22 years work experience, who was placed with Crossrail and later gained permanent employment, commented: “I was out of work for a year, I registered with many employment agencies…but I was told that for every job advertised over 100 people applied. Solid Foundation introduced me to the professional people in the engineering industry. This gave me a chance to discuss my previous work history and gave me confidence to succeed”.

If you are or know of refugee engineers who would benefit from this scheme, please get in touch to explore opportunities available.
Contact person:
Michael Duncombe, Employment Advisor
E-mail: Michael.duncombe@olmec-ec.org.uk
Tel. 020 7091 9488

OLMEC
2 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London EC2A 3DR
www.olmec-ec.org.uk