Kostiantyn and family in Ukraine before coming to the UK
Kostiantyn recently signed up to the Multiply programme for which we are a Delivery Partner for Shrewsbury Colleges Group. After being forced to leave his home in Ukraine, we’ve been able to support him to gain his CSCS card to help open up employment opportunities for him on construction sites. he is now on track to achieving his goal of becoming an electrician in the UK.
You can read his full story below....
From childhood, Kostia always had an interest in electronics and gadgets. Becoming an electrician was his dream. He studied hard in Ukraine to get qualified up to level 6, including hundreds of hours spent on international qualifications. Not only a successful small business owner with lots of clients, Kostia demonstrated his excellent skills of the trade by building his own home with space for his young family and favourite cars.
2022 was when it all changed. When war began, Kostia and family lived in the city of Kharkiv, located very close to the Russian boarder. Knowing it wasn't safe to stay there, Kostia and his wife made the impossible decision to evacuate. After staying in West Ukraine for some time, volunteering to support the shelters, they eventually decided to travel to the UK.
Becoming an electrician in a foreign country continues to bring new challenges, but Kostia is taking huge steps toward this by recently gaining his CSCS card through ANTA Education which will open him up to employment opportunities on construction sites. He intends to obtain his ECS gold card as soon as possible.
Before Kostia arrived in England, he had never spoken a word of English – not that you would know that now if you saw him in town or on a job site. His accomplishments so far include completing his 18th edition certificate on his first exam.
“Kostia has been such a wonderful person to work with. He is generous with his time and always asks great questions.” Says Sarah Harley from Enable’s Refugee Employment Support Team. “Despite having some terrible circumstances that he has had to overcome, Kostia has shown real resilience and a passion for learning. Working with ANTA to obtain his CSCS card is the first step to a successful career path in the UK.”
Kostia himself says “We are very grateful to this country for everything it has offered and we want to make the UK our home. It is important to contribute to society with the skills I have. Being out of work when I first arrived in the UK is not something I want to do again. I want to study more, and find the career that puts me back on track with my dream.”
If there is anyone who can offer Kostia any advice on gaining his ECS card, finding funding for his NVQ Level 3 or employment opportunities please let us know!
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