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How to prepare for job hunting in 2025: A comprehensive guide for Ukrainians on integration and careers


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Birmingham, as a City of Sanctuary, continues to be an important centre of support for Ukrainians. In 2025, the city offers a wide network of free resources and favourable conditions for overcoming language barriers and professional adaptation. The key benefit is direct access to state-funded and volunteer programmes, which is crucial for rapid integration.

1. Improving Your English: Free Resources and Practice🗣️

Proficiency in English is the most important factor for success in the UK. Free structured courses and informal clubs are available in Birmingham.

How to improve your English for free?

(ESOL courses) The local government funds ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses for Ukrainians who meet the funding criteria (e.g. have Homes for Ukraine status, low income or receive benefits). More details:https://www.moseleyforukraine.org/uk/post/курси-esol-у-бірмінгемі-з-вересня-2025-року


Where to find Speaking Clubs?

Conversation Groups will help you quickly overcome the language barrier.

Community Initiatives: Active volunteer groups often organise free, informal conversation classes and social gatherings:

  • Moseley for Ukraine (M4U): Regular ESOL classes and conversation groups in the Moseley area.

  • Moseley for Ukraine (M4U):  

English Speaking Club - Every Friday, an informal friendly meeting with native English speakers. Club topics: British traditions, idioms, exchange of experiences, new useful acquaintances.

  • North Birmingham 4Ukraine (NB4U): Social events, which are a great opportunity to practise communication skills.



2. Job Search and Professional Adaptation 💼


How to prepare for a job search?

The main requirement is to adapt your documents to British standards.


What should be included in a CV?


A British CV is a short (1-2 pages), targeted document that focuses on achievements rather than just responsibilities.

Personal details: Only your name, telephone number, email address, city, and LinkedIn link. Do not include a photo, date of birth, or marital status.

Work experience: Use action verbs (Managed, Achieved, Led) and figures/results (e.g. "Increased sales by 15%").

Personal Profile: A short introduction tailored to the vacancy (3-4 sentences).


3. Confirmation of Qualifications: Diplomas and Regulated Professions 🎓Do diplomas need to be confirmed?


For most unregulated professions (IT, marketing, finance, administrative work), formal confirmation is not required. Employers value experience. However, for official recognition of your educational level (e.g. for further study or certain job vacancies), please contact: ECCTIS (Official UK agency for degree recognition): A paid service that assesses your Ukrainian degree as equivalent to a British one.

ECCTIS: Services and Prices for Private Individuals (Valid until the end of 2025)

ECCTIS (раніше UK ENIC/NARIC) — This is the official national information centre in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications.

Main Services and What They Do ECCTIS offers a range of services that are required for study, employment and visa purposes:


1. Statement of Comparability

What it is: This is the most common service. ECCTIS compares your Ukrainian diploma or qualification with the standards of the UK education system. For example, your Ukrainian master's degree will be compared to a UK Master's degree.

Why you need it: To show potential employers or educational institutions that your qualification is valid and recognised. It does not give you a licence to practise in regulated professions, but it is a good basis for further steps.


2. Qualification and Language Service (QLS)


What it is: This is a specialised service introduced by ECCTIS in conjunction with the Home Office, primarily for visa purposes (e.g. Skilled Worker Visa, High Potential Individual route).

Why you need it: Confirmation of qualification level: To prove that your foreign degree (bachelor's, master's or PhD) meets the required level to obtain points for the visa route. Confirmation of English language proficiency (based on your degree): If your degree was taught entirely in English, ECCTIS can issue a statement confirming that your studies meet the required level of English (e.g. CEFR B1 or B2) for visa requirements, allowing you to avoid taking a SELT exam (e.g. IELTS).


3. Early Years Services


What it is: An assessment of qualifications for those planning to work with young children (from birth to 5 years old) in the UK early years education system.

Why you need it: To confirm that your education meets the criteria for working in nurseries or crèches. Prices for ECCTIS Core Services (as of the end of 2025) Prices are quoted in pounds sterling (£) and do not usually include VAT, although VAT may be added for private individuals in the UK.

Service

E-Statement

Deadline

Statement of Comparability 

£69.60 (include e-Statement)

Approximately 15 working days

Qualification and Language Service (QLS) 

£210.00 (+ VAT)

Approximately 20 working days

Delivery of a paper copy (in the UK)

Additional £10.50

(After completion of the assessment)

Important Add-ons and Services:

  • Fast Track Service: For an additional fee, you can significantly reduce the processing time for your application (for example, to 5 working days). The price depends on the service.

  • Translation Waiver Service: A service that allows ECCTIS to evaluate documents that do not have an official translation, but this may increase processing time. It is generally recommended to submit documents with a certified translation.

Requirements:

To apply for any service, you will need:

  1. Scanned copies of original education documents (diploma, supplement). Scanned copies of certified translations of these documents into English.

  2. For QLS: An additional letter from the university (Letter of Medium of Instruction) confirming that the course was taught in English (if you want to confirm English for your visa).

  3. Recommendation: Always check the current fees and requirements directly on the official ECCTIS website, as they may be updated.

  4. Web-site ECCTIS: https://ecctis.com/

  5. Statement of Comparability: https://www.enic.org.uk/individuals/statement-of-comparability/cost


What you need to confirm your profession in the UK (Regulated Professions)

If your profession is regulated (doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, architect), you must register with the relevant Professional Regulatory Authority (Regulator).

Stage Action Regulatory Authority (Example)


1. Language Requirements Pass a high-level exam: usually IELTS Academic (7.0-7.5) or OET (Occupational English Test). (Requirements are set by each regulator)

2. Qualification Assessment Submit your diploma and transcript for comparison with British standards. General Medical Council (GMC) for doctors; Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nurses.

3. Exams / Adaptation Take the necessary exams and/or adaptation training to overcome "gaps" in knowledge.

Doctors: PLAB exams;

Nurses: CBT and OSCE;

Lawyers: SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination).

Key Regulatory Bodies:

Doctors: General Medical Council (GMC): https://www.gmc-uk.org Nurses: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): https://www.nmc.org.uk

Lawyers: Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.sra.org.uk

Additional Support: Organisations such as the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) provide advice on employment and integration for new arrivals in Birmingham.


 
 
 
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