From volunteers to employees

At ACH we actively encourage volunteers to join our team in order to build up their skills and work experience. These volunteer placements often turn into full-time paid roles, just like they have with Bristol staff Rashid and Khalid.

Khalid

Khalid was supported in summer 2017 by Julia (Careers Adviser) to get help with his CV. After coming into ACH to meet with the careers team, Khalid realised he would love to volunteer with us, however, the team was growing but the office space was not so there was not enough space to accommodate any more volunteers at that time. Luckily, ACH Bristol was expanding so in August 2017 we acquired more office space and Khalid was taken on as a volunteer receptionist.

Khalid said that the management of ACH was one of the main things that attracted him to the role. He then volunteered with us for 3 months until November 2017 when he was taken on as a full-time receptionist. Since then, in August 2018, Khalid changed roles to become part of the housing team as a Housing Officer.

He says “During my receptionist position I gained more skills and experience towards dealing with tenants and other ACH stakeholders. I am proud to work for a company that specialises in the resettlement of refugees through labour market and social integration. I am deeply happy with my new role of Housing Officer and I will continue to grow as I am proud and keen to learn”.

Rashid

In April 2018, Rashid also started as a volunteer for ACH alongside Khalid on the reception. He was in contact with our CEO Fuad who asked him if he wanted to volunteer to find out more about ACH and increase his work experience.

Rashid received guidance from Khalid and they worked well as a team. They both helped to transform the layout and functionality of the reception at our Bristol office which has enhanced the efficiency of the area.

After volunteering with ACH for 3 months, Rashid became a full-time staff member as an Admin Assistant and Receptionist in August 2018. “When I was volunteering I really wanted to become part of the ACH staff. I am really happy to have my new role and I have met friendly people here" says Rashid. He also praises our Housing Manager, Said, for taking the time to teach him more about the housing side of ACH and for encouraging his progression within the company. 

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering opportunities with us visit our careers page here.