Oleksandr is one of several Ukrainian refugees undertaking the Step into Construction skills course, managed by RMF Training and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The 40-year-old came to the UK two months ago to join his wife Lily and 10-year-old son who arrived here shortly after the war started two years ago. The family are currently living in Northfield, Birmingham.

 Oleksandr has completed his training at RMF's 22-acre Hounsfield Lane training centre, which includes classrooms and facilities for plant and vehicle training. As a result, he has obtained a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card, enabling him to work on construction sites across the UK.

Oleksandr is now settled in the West Midlands with his family and keen to continue to make a contribution to the construction industry but the one place Oleksandr would love to be able to use his new skills is back in the Ukraine.

Step into Construction is a practical training course, developed with funding from WMCA, providing on-site learning alongside real-world experience. Using industry-standard facilities, it includes plant and vehicle training as well as providing classroom-based face to face learning.

Oleksandr said, “My family have been here in the UK for two years but because I had been caring for my 72-year-old mom back in Odessa, I only arrived here two months ago.

“Back in the Ukraine I was a drilling rig operator, so when I found out about this placement at RMF Training I was pleased I could work in construction here – building on the skills I already had.

“Everyone has been very welcoming in the UK and our lives have really changed for the better. I am glad that I am able to contribute to our local community.

“Although I’d really like to go back and help rebuild my country I need to build my life here with my family for now and hope that my mother will be able to join us soon.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA, said: “The West Midlands is a region that offers a safe haven and support for all refugees, helping them to integrate into our society, providing security, safety and opportunity. Offering learning and work opportunities such as the Step into Construction training delivered by RMF gives them new skills and a chance to work, whilst contributing to our regional economy. It also means that they will have the skills needed to help rebuild their country, one that has been so terribly impacted.” 

The WMCA has invested £500k in RMF’s construction gateway programme this year to train 124 people to find good jobs in the construction sector.

Many of these have moved into employment due to RMF Training’s strong engagement and relationships with employers and by developing entirely industry-led training packages.

Dara McCarthy, director of RMF Group, said, “The support from WMCA and our partners, has been invaluable to developing our learning provision and creating careers for our learners.

“By working closely with the construction industry we can tailor our offer to what is needed, ensuring that our learners have jobs and careers to move into. 

“We do this by focusing on employability through professional coaching, community-based training, and one-to-one mentoring, with a career goal in mind.”

Oleksandr Demchenko, is a 20-year-old Ukranian who arrived in the UK two years ago, having just left school and is also training with RMF.

He was hoping to go on to university when the war in Ukraine started and said, “It was very frightening. One day I was with my girlfriend enjoying life and the next day the war was declared and I had to leave.

“I’m living here in Birmingham, where I have finally been reunited with my girlfriend from back home.

“I have met and learnt much more about many people from different backgrounds and nationalities here in Birmingham.

“I didn’t have anything when I got here as I had come straight from being at school with no money and our host has been really helpful and supportive.

“I want to continue working with RMF to complete my Step into Construction course, get further skills, qualifications and experience and pursue this as a career.”

RMF Training also offers Equine management training, funded by the WMCA.