Refugee Education and Training Advisory Service Leeds
...rebuilding lives, breaking down barriers
How can RETAS help?
To help every refugee and asylum seeker in West Yorkshire achieve their potential, RETAS works with the wider ecomomic and social community - that is schools, communities, businesses, local government, charities and other organisations, as well as refugees and asylum seekers. This is what we do...
Work with refugees and asylum seekers...
Information, Advice and Guidance Sessions - Education and Employment Advisors meet with clients on a one-to-one basis to discuss the best way to progress through education, requalification, training and into employment.
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.
IELTS classes - RETAS hosts a free IELTS (International English Language Testing System) course for professionals and refugees and asylum seekers who are considering university. The course has a rolling intake but the recommended length of time for the course is three months. RETAS is also able to pay for the exam fees.
Job skills courses - The popular Job Skills Course runs 6 times a year in different locations accross West Yorkshire. This includes an introduction to the UK job market, Where and how to look for Jobs, CV and cover letter writing, application forms and a mock interview conducted by local businesses supporting RETAS. Advisors also provide follow up sessions and intensive group job coaching for participants.
ESOL and English advice - Every Thursday 1-4pm, RETAS holds a dropin advice service assessing clients and signposting them to appropriate English courses. We are also producing a comprehensive list of all ESOL and English provision accross West Yorkshire; this is what we have got so far...
How can we help other organisations...
Training employers and organisations - RETAS regularly trains private, public and voluntary sector organisations about issues surrounding refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. These sessions cover issues such as employmnet and education rights and entitlements, immigration and asylum process, cultural differences and the journey of a refugee. Please contact Alex Rose or Duncan Wells at RETAS for more information.
Expertise - KPMG, NHS, Education Leeds, Calibre Search, The National Centre for Diversity, Incommunities, Coutts, TD Waterhouse, The Regional Forum and Bradford Council are a selection of organisations that volunteer expertise, time or resources to support our clients. We are looking for more individuals or companies to volunteer time or resources to support clients in the following ways: provide professional mentoring and guidance, mock interview practice, work experience and volunteering, information days. RETAS will always ensure that all volunteers are properly trained and briefed. Please contact Alex Rose or Duncan Wells for more information.
RefugeesLoveWork - This campaign tells you the facts and stats about refugee employment rights.
RETASrecruits - For companies looking to recruit, RETAS is able to source potential employees from a client base of over 800 people. Please visit www.retasrecruits.org.uk
Schools and Community Work
"The open eyed attentive silence of the class was remarkable... I'd love for every pupil in this school to hear Raphael's story, and bust the myths that the media often portray. It was a fantastic presentation." (Lawnswood School, Leeds)
The Refugee Experience... Since 2002 RETAS has been working with schools, community groups and colleges to raise awareness about the reality of life in the UK for refugees and asylum seekers. These sessions give recipients insight into the asylum process by focussing on personal stories and firsthand experience, as well as addressing common myths and misconceptions. At every session an asylum seeker will share their story.
Who for? We have delivered sessions in schools, community groups, statutory organisations and youth services. Sessions can be tailored to any group (age 7+) including large assemblies.
How much? Costs vary depending on the length and number of sessions. Please call RETAS to discuss costs.
Please download a leaflet to find out more.
