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 the pair have secured full time work in the Business Executive Support Team and Adult Social Care departments at the council.
They both start their new jobs as first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is marked around the county.
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.”
Talking about her new job, Kateryna said: “It’s a great honour being here 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 Chambers of Commerce was really helpful and when I was offered the job, I was delighted.”
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.”
