Breaking into the UK Job Market as an International Professional
An IT specialist from Ukraine, Anton Kryvun, successfully transitioned to a new career in Staffordshire after participating in the county council's Open Door work placement programme. This initiative, part of the broader Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service, connects job seekers with local businesses through tailored placements.
The Challenge: Overcoming Barriers in a New Market
Despite having excellent experience and a strong work history, Anton found it difficult to navigate the UK job market. Lacking local knowledge and connections, he struggled to find opportunities that matched his skills.
The Solution: A Strategic Partnership
The Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service matched Anton with Converge Technology Solutions, an ICT company based in Stafford that manages organizations' IT from end to end—supplying hardware and software, deployment services, support, and IT recycling.
After completing a five-week work placement with Converge, Anton applied for and secured a position as an IT support agent. He has been in full-time employment since January, thanks to this strategic match.
How the Program Works
The service features an expert team of brokers who connect job seekers with suitable vacancies. Their website, www.staffsjobscareers.com, offers:
- Career and training advice
- Tips for gaining employment
- Information for businesses
Anton worked with a broker to discuss his options, understand the realities of UK job searching, and refine his CV. He shared: "The Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service programme has really worked for me. A key factor was that the role closely matches my previous professional experience, which allowed me to add value quickly. Having no local knowledge of the area, it wasn’t easy to find a suitable position. This placement gave me the fresh start I needed."
Business Perspective: Why Companies Benefit
Ellen Careless, People Operations Manager at Converge Technology Solutions, explained: "As a local and socially conscious company, we are committed to supporting local people, which makes our partnership with Staffordshire Jobs and Careers a perfect fit. We would highly recommend the service. As a multi-million-pound IT reseller, manufacturer, and recycler based in Stafford, we have been extremely impressed by the support provided by the county council’s Open Door programme."
Economic Impact and Future Goals
One of the priorities of Staffordshire County Council’s new economic strategy is to support the development of local talent, skills, and inclusive growth through initiatives like the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader, added: "The Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service is making a difference to people like Anton who are trying to find a position to match their skills and job that is suited to them. It’s also enabling companies across Staffordshire to take on the right employees for their organization and help boost their productivity. There is a broad range of vacancies and training opportunities, and our employment brokers are ready to help."
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