Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2023
Kateryna Trushko, Staffordshire County Council Chief Executive, John Henderson and Olena Serba
Two women from Ukraine, who left their homeland to escape the Russian invasion, have secured jobs at Staffordshire County Council.
Olena Serba and Kateryna Trushko both arrived in Staffordshire in April 2022, as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme being co-ordinated by the county council.
Now, thanks to the authority’s new Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service, the pair have secured full time jobs in the Business Executive Support Team and Adult Social Care departments at the council.
Olena said:
“I have already had four months work experience through the Staffordshire Open Door programme, which I really enjoyed. I worked with the home education team who were great and helped me practise my English as well as learning new skills. My team were a pleasure to be around and were always willing to help me.
“I love living in Staffordshire and I am looking forward to my new job and meeting even more friends. I can’t sit at home all day every day, It’s just not in me. I’m used to being busy at work and earning my way through life. I’m very grateful for the help and support I got through the council.”
Talking about her new job, Kateryna said:
“It’s a great honour being here and working for Staffordshire County Council, I didn’t expect it and I consider it a huge and exciting opportunity.
“Having to leave your home country is difficult. For me, the biggest challenge is learning the English Language as I only started studying it a few years ago. Thankfully, it’s getting better and will be essential in my new job.
“I have settled here very well in Staffordshire. It’s a very welcoming place and I have met lots of kind people. The support I got from the Jobs and Careers team and from Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce was really helpful and when I was offered the job, I was delighted. I have always worked hard in my jobs in Ukraine and am looking forward to getting started, meeting new people and learning new things.”
They both start their new jobs as the county marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Friday 24 February. To show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the historic Shire Hall building in Stafford will be lit up blue and yellow with the Ukrainian flag also on display. A minutes silence will also be observed on the Friday at 11am.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council said:
“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Olena and Kateryna and it’s great news that they have been able to secure jobs with the county council.
“Our Homes for Ukraine scheme has been a huge success since launching and it’s thanks to the wonderful hospitality and generosity of people in Staffordshire. Over 900 people have chosen to make our great county their temporary home, with many working and playing an active role in our communities.
“It was also thanks to our new Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service that helped Olena and Kateryna get their jobs. This is a new service and a great starting point for anyone looking for a job, training, or career in Staffordshire.”
Since launching in March 2022, nearly 500 Staffordshire residents joined the Homes for Ukraine scheme to offer accommodation to families from the war-torn country. The scheme is being delivered alongside district and borough councils, health, education and the voluntary sector. Since the conflict started, almost 900 Ukrainians have made Staffordshire their home.
The new Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service is a comprehensive service with advice on jobs, careers, training and learning opportunities in Staffordshire, all in one place. The Employment Brokers will offer bespoke advice and guidance to residents to find employment across the County and to support businesses with their recruitment requirements. People can find out more at Staffordshire Job & Careers Brokerage for Residents (staffsjobscareers.com)