A Syrian refugee has been hired as an apprentice by North Ayrshire Council as it prepares to house another 40 people from the war-stricken country.
The council has found homes for 150 refugees so far – 56 adults and 94 children. Another 10 will be accommodated by the end of this month.
Councillors sitting on cabinet approved the resettlement of an additional 40 people last week.
A council report said seven of the refugees have found full-time jobs and 14 have attended college.
They have enrolled in car mechanics, joinery, computing, hospitality and care courses. One person has landed a role as a modern apprentice at the council. And a number have passed their driving tests while others are volunteering.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting last week, Councillor Jim Montgomerie said: “No-one can comprehend what families have had to endure in war-torn Syria.”
The first families arrived in North Ayrshire on November 17, 2015.
The council resettles two families at a time and it has set up a Syrian Refugee Task Force to co-ordinate support.
The meeting heard the families were resilient and fitted in well.
All the children are “engaged in education” and adults get language lessons according to a council report.
A council paper presented to councillors said: “Families have settled well and have been warmly welcomed into North Ayrshire’s communities.”
It added: “The successful approach adopted by the council to integration has been recognised nationally by both COSLA and the Home Office.
“We should continue to build on this approach and extend our humanitarian commitment to provide a safe haven for vulnerable refugees, many who have experienced significant trauma.”
