A Burngreave man who was struggling on income support has secured a full time job thanks to the help of an innovative employment project.
Kurdish refugee, Mohammad Amin Ahmed (40), who has lived in Sheffield since 2003, accessed Burngreave Opportunities (BOPPS) and is now working full time as an adult trainee in joinery for Kier Sheffield. After moving from the political turmoil in the region north of Iraq, Mohammad settled in Burngreave in the hope of getting a job in the building trade.
Says Mohammad:
“I left my wife and son,who is now 16 years old, behind to come to the UK so it was a massive decision.
But there is too much war in my country and no jobs so I just wanted the opportunity to build a better life for myself and family. At first finding work here was a real struggle and I was on income support but still desperately trying to get a job in the construction industry.
But Mohammad’s luck changed when he heard from a friend about BOPPS, a unique partnership between Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC), Sheffield Futures and JobNet, who helped him apply for a job at Kier Sheffield.
BOPPS, based at Forum House on Spital Hill, aims to ensure that a range of skills and expertise are available to Burngreave residents and that they have access to the best possible support to help find employment. Over the last year, it has helped almost 300 people into work by offering a range of services including training and careers advice, confidence building, help writing application forms and interview practice.
Adds Mohammad:
“I was so happy to be put in touch with BOPPS – they helped me to get my CV in order and the staff were so helpful. Soon after they put me in contact with Kier and I was really pleased to have an interview and then be appointed in a full-time position. It allows me to get practical experience on the job for three days a week and for the remaining two days work towards gaining a relevant qualification. I am currently studying for an NVQ level 2 in site carpentry and doing basic English, numeracy and literacy.
“It is my dream job really, I am just hoping I can continue with my work and studies so I can progress enough to bring my family over to Sheffield which will mean we can all be together.”
For more information about BOPPS, please contact Vicky Brennan on 0114 272 6096.