The Role of Himilo in Empowering Individuals Towards Professional Careers

At ACH, we believe that providing shelter without a path to independence merely ‘warehouses’ refugees. Economic independence and career progression are vital for refugees and migrants striving for independence. That’s why training has always been central to our mission. Founded 10 years ago, Himilo has developed innovative integration and training interventions that help refugees and migrants achieve their full career and entrepreneurial ambitions in the UK through our entrepreneurship and careers teams.

We offer a variety of services, including business sustainability advice, career guidance, pre-employability training, in-work support, and language development embedded into employability training.

We currently run a range of programs across our three training centres:

In Bristol, we proudly offer the Bridge to Employment program, an initiative developed in collaboration with a leading employer to support refugees and migrants in securing meaningful employment with them. Our program has successfully partnered with top companies like Bristol Waste, Visit West, Pret, and Starbucks, providing tailored pathways into the workforce.

Beyond job placements, we offer personalised one-on-one career and business advice, along with comprehensive Employability and Entrepreneurship courses and incubators such as  Functional Skills English at all Levels, Functional Skills Maths at all levels, Digital Courses, Life in the UK and Green Skills.

In Birmingham, we provide:

• The Comic Relief – Bridge to Employment Project
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – Employment & Skills Project
• Go Digital: Digital Skills and Supported Family Learning Program
• Homes for Ukraine – Bridge to Business: An entrepreneurship project offering pre-self-employment and employment support for the Ukrainian community

In Coventry, our programs include:

• Our Coventry – Employability, Entrepreneurship, Digital skills and Language support
• The Transition Housing Project – This project offers move-on accommodation and employability support to help individuals ready for work achieve independent living

Our range of offerings allows us to cater to the specific needs of our community. Whether you are looking to acquire diverse talent, support refugees and migrants into work, or have vacancies in your organisation that need filling? We can help you. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these opportunities or how we can work together, please reach out to julia.dixon-barrow@ach.org.uk for more details.

We’ve gathered a few inspiring stories so you can hear directly from our clients, not just from us:

Kateryna's Story:

Kateryna arrived in Birmingham with her daughter, fleeing the war in Ukraine. Struggling with English and unable to find a job, she connected with Himilo, ACH’s training subsidiary at a job fair in Birmingham. With support in English classes, CV revision, and employability guidance, she progressed from English student to volunteer and then to a full-time Careers & Enterprise Officer.

“I am thankful for the English support and job opportunities ACH has provided me so far. This experience will really help me in achieving my dream of starting a career in the IT sector.” - Kateryna

Abbas's Story:

After returning to the UK following 15 years abroad, Abbas struggled to find work for 9 months. He met some Himilo staff at a job fair, got assessed and offered training options; received English training, and eventually got an opportunity to volunteer as a receptionist at ACH Birmingham. With dedication and support, he eventually joined the HR team full-time.

“When I came to this country, I was lost, a novice, and unaware of the procedures, but Himilo prepared me to get a good job.” - Abbas

Areeba's Story:

Areeba relocated from Pakistan to Bristol with her mother for religious reasons, seeking a fresh start. After being introduced to ACH’s “Bridge to Employment” programme, she received valuable pre-employment training focused on the hospitality sector, gaining confidence and inspiration from professionals in the field. With the support of ACH’s career advisors and help with her Home Office paperwork, Areeba is optimistic about settling in the UK and finding a job that brings her happiness.

“ACH was the key to be successful when I came to the UK”. – Areeba

Igor’s Story:

Igor, a successful lawyer from Ukraine, arrived in the UK in May 2022, seeking refuge from the war with his wife and triplets in a quiet village in Somerset. Despite his impressive legal background, Igor faced the challenge of a language barrier and eventually took a job as a personal driver and handyman for a British celebrity to improve his English and integrate into his new community. Determined to rebuild his legal career, Igor joined the Bridge to Employment programme, funded by Comic Relief, which provides pre-employment training and job placement opportunities in hotels, along with six months of support for job progression.

“For me, this is more than just a job, it is a stepping stone towards reclaiming my professional identity and contributing to my new community”. – Igor

These inspiring stories highlight the impact of tailored support and training in helping refugees and migrants build new lives and careers in the UK.