Employment Upgrade

It is important that all adult refugees who are in good health begin to work as quickly as possible. There is an extremely limited amount of financial support that LSG is able to provide to newly arrived refugees.  (Financial assistance provided by LSG.) In addition, most people are happiest when they are self-supporting and not dependent on others for their basic necessities.

Most refugees are not fluent English speakers when they arrive, and many speak no English at all. Some may not know how to read, even in their own languages. Few or none have been exposed to US workplaces, and they may not understand US notions of timeliness, cleanliness, appropriate dress, and appropriate behavior. For those reasons, most refugees are first placed in warehouses, in factories, or in hotels as support staff (housekeepers, dishwashers, laundry room personnel, etc.).

We applaud the employers who are willing to hire and train these new arrivals. Thanks to them, our refugees develop new skills, learn how to “get along” at work, and take giant steps toward becoming self-supporting.

However, these first jobs may pay low wages, may not provide any benefits such as health insurance and paid sick days, and/or may not be appropriate to full range of the refugees’ knowledge, skills, and aptitudes. Over time, as refugees gain familiarity with US workplace culture and customs, they often seek improved working conditions.

The Employment Upgrade Program assists refugees with work experience in the US to find employment that is appropriate to their backgrounds, and that offers benefits needed by them and their families.

Employment Upgrade also assists individuals who have professional backgrounds or higher skill levels. Through recertification they are helped to achieve employment in their areas of expertise.

For more information about Employment Upgrade, please contact Gonul Ertem, Career Specialist, at 678-686-9618.