Opening Doors: Building Employment and Volunteering Pathways

If you're interested, please send us an email: info@wiltshirerefugeenetwork.org
Wiltshire Refugee Network will host an Employment and Volunteering Opportunities Workshop on 30 June 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at 36 The Parade, SN1 1BA, Swindon. The workshop is part of the Network’s ongoing commitment to supporting the integration, empowerment, and economic participation of asylum seekers and refugees in Wiltshire.

The primary aim of this workshop is to provide practical guidance, information, and support to individuals seeking to access volunteering opportunities and employment pathways within the UK. The session is specifically structured to address the different legal and practical circumstances faced by asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring that information provided is relevant, accurate, and accessible.

For asylum seekers, the workshop will focus on:

Understanding permitted volunteering opportunities, including how volunteering can support skills development, community integration, confidence-building, and future employability.

Exploring employment options linked to the UK Shortage Occupation List, with guidance on eligibility, permitted work routes, and the practical steps required to pursue these opportunities lawfully.

For refugees, the workshop will provide:

Information on employment opportunities, including pathways into work aligned with their skills, experience, and qualifications.

Guidance on accessing volunteering roles that can enhance employability, support UK work experience, and facilitate integration into the labour market and wider community.

The workshop will also address broader employability topics such as:

Understanding the UK job market

Identifying transferable skills

Building work experience through volunteering

Navigating barriers to employment

Accessing local support networks and community resources

The event will be delivered in a supportive and inclusive environment, recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences of participants. It will encourage engagement, discussion, and peer learning, while also offering clear signposting to further support services and opportunities available locally and nationally.

The workshop is free to attend and open to asylum seekers and refugees seeking to improve their understanding of employment and volunteering options in the UK. By hosting this event, Wiltshire Refugee Network aims to strengthen pathways to meaningful participation, reduce isolation, and promote long-term independence and integration for displaced individuals within the community.