A Refugee Employment Network and Engineering Council partnership

In May 2022, the CEOs of the Engineering Council (EngC), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) met with King Charles III (at that time, HRH Prince of Wales) to discuss how the engineering profession can support engineers with refugee status into the workforce.

The result of that meeting is the Refugee Engineering Mentoring programme, developed in partnership with the Engineering Council. The programme is designed to support refugee engineers seeking employment opportunities in the UK, whilst also addressing the skills shortage in engineering roles across the profession. 

As the lead partner, REN uses its extensive network to recruit refugees with engineering qualifications and experience from all across the UK to take up this incredible mentoring opportunity. Mentees apply through their local refugee support charity, who provide them with ongoing support. This means that the mentors can focus exclusively on supporting them into employment in the engineering sector. 

Many refugees face barriers in gaining employment that is appropriate for their qualifications, skills and level of experience. This can include difficulties in translating or transferring documents such as qualifications, unfamiliarity with the UK job market and interview processes. The aim of the Refugee Engineering Mentoring programme is to support engineers and technicians to gain the relevant skills and professional recognition and registration, as well as introduce them to professional networks and support their career progression.

When Pedram and his spouse moved to the UK, they found it challenging to find appropriate employment for their experience. “I was a manager in investment and construction development, and my spouse worked as a logistics manager. Despite our qualifications and experience, many of the opportunities being presented to us were in fields such as care work or hospitality.” 

Pedram shares that it can be disheartening when your experience isn’t recognised. “There’s a sense of being pushed toward any available job rather than being supported in finding meaningful work that matches your skills.”

When refugees are provided with specialised employment support, they have a higher probability of finding a job, integrating into society and rebuilding their lives. 

The Refugee Employment Network and the Engineering Council are proud to be partnering to help refugee engineers return to their profession. Our first cohort of mentors and mentees will meet in December 2024.