Amidst the ongoing refugee crisis, it's crucial to integrate refugees into our societies. The construction industry, facing a labour shortage, presents a unique opportunity for this integration. Welcome Work is dedicated to creating resources and tools to support refugees entering the construction labour market. Our goal is to find practical solutions to the challenges faced by both refugees and the industry, fostering welcoming and inclusive work environments for all.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced nearly 6 million Ukrainian refugees to flee to Europe, with 4.1 million benefiting from temporary protection. This status grants them residency and access to the labour market, medical services, and education. This massive influx presents a significant challenge for host countries and their education and employment systems.
The Starter Kit will equip VET directors, trainers, educators, and support staff with the knowledge and skills needed to guide refugees into rewarding work in the construction sector. By providing up-to-date information and improved guidance skills, the Starter Kit will enable VET organisations to contribute more fully to refugee integration.
The Good Practice Compendium will educate employers in the construction industry on how to create welcoming work environments for refugees. It covers both “hard” topics, such as refugees' rights, legal frameworks, and skills evaluation, and “soft” topics, including linguistic support and cultural assimilation. This comprehensive resource will help employers better understand and support their refugee workforce.
The Mobile Training Programme is designed to widen the accessibility and flexibility of VET training provision for hard-to-reach and foreign-born learners, specifically Ukrainian refugees. This programme aims to facilitate the integration of refugees by providing them with the necessary training and education to succeed in the construction sector.
