Refugee Education and Training
Advisory Service
Leeds
RETAS' Services
The information below is a summary of the work that we do.
Education
Information, Advice and Guidance Sessions - Education Advisors can meet with asylum seekers and refugees on a one-to-one basis to discuss the best way to progress through education. This could involve talking about university, college or community learning.
Academic Equivalences - Through UK NARIC (National Recognition Centre) we can provide information about the value of qualifications gained overseas in the UK.
Funding for Education - We know about the different ways of funding courses and education and can give advice about the likelihood of success. Sometimes we can help compile funding applications.
Work in Schools - We provide refugee-led lessons to children of high school age. This gives students the opportunity to hear the story of a refugee and partake in an interactive question and answer session.
Employment
Information, Advice and Guidance Sessions - Employment Advisors understand what the law says about working and can explain rights and entitlements. We can support refugees into employment giving advice tailored to the needs of each individual.
Job Placements - brokerage of UK work experience. Some placements are available at the RETAS office.
Professional Re-qualification Support - We can advise and support people who worked in different professions in their country of origin through re-qualification and into appropriate work.
Interview Practice - mock interview sessions and feedback.
Training...
RETAS delivers training to external organisations on refugees, asylum seekers and the asylum process, rights and entitlements to education and employment as well as for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
For employers, schools, agencies and other organisations:
Training is tailored to specific needs. If you would like further information about costs and the options available, please contact Duncan Wells at RETAS. An example of topics include:
- Getting to grips with the UK asylum system
- Barriers to education and employment for refugees and asylum seekers
- Education and employment rights and entitlements for asylum seekers and refugees
- Training for trainers who deliver job search and employment - focussed courses to refugees
For refugees and asylum seekers:
EASI - The EASI (Empowering Asylum Seekers to Integrate) programme involves training asylum seekers in public speaking, presentation skills, advocacy and rights and entitlements with the overall aim of empowering asylum seekers and improving confidence levels.
Job Search - We provide Job Skills Training for refugees who are job seeking or want to improve their employability. This course introduces UK job search culture, and details where to look for work, how to compile a CV and cover letter, how to approach employers, how to complete an application form, how to perform well at interview.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) ? RETAS provides IELTS practice classes for those with good English who want to access HE or are undergoing professional re-qualification.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) - From time to time we run ESOL courses for asylum seekers and refugees. If we are not running ESOL we can advise on where to access the courses.
