From Refugee Participant to Lead Employment Advisor: Q&A with Mohammed Alenizy

After arriving in the UK as a refugee, Mohammed Alenizy, accessed support through one of The Growth Company's employment programmes.

Today, as a Lead Employment Advisor, he helps others overcome similar challenges and build brighter futures of their own. In this Q&A, he reflects on his journey, career progression and the importance of belonging.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background?

A: Before moving to the UK, I lived in Kuwait and worked in a variety of roles, including for the Kuwait Government Census, Viva Telecom, and later as a Liaison Officer with the US Army. That role gave me valuable experience working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, while developing skills such as communication, problem solving and interpreting, that I still use today.

Q: What brought you to the UK?

A: After arriving in the UK as a refugee, I spent several years rebuilding my life. During that time, I continued my education, completing qualifications at Sheffield College, including a course in advanced manufacturing engineering.

Like many refugees, navigating life in a new country came with challenges. Although I had qualifications and work experience, there were times when I felt like an outsider and wasn't always sure where to find the right support.

Q: How did you first connect with The Growth Company?

A: I joined the Restart  programme as a participant while I was studying. During an appointment, the Engagement Co-ordinator told me about the Refugee Employability Programme (REP)* and immediately felt drawn to the work they were doing.

As a refugee myself, I understood the challenges people face when trying to build a new life in a different country. The opportunity to support others in similar circumstances felt meaningful and aligned with my own experiences.

Q: What inspired you to apply for a role supporting refugees with The Growth Company?

A: I knew first-hand how important it is to have someone who understands your situation and can help you access opportunities. When I heard about an Employment Advisor vacancy on the REP team, I applied straight away.

I was fortunate to be offered the role, and I even fast-tracked the completion of my studies so I could begin my new career. I joined the REP as an Employment Advisor in May 2024.

Q: What was it like starting your first job in the UK?

A: Everything was new. It was my first job in the UK and also my first civilian role.

What struck me most was the focus on people. In previous roles, success was often measured by completing objectives. In this role, success was about helping individuals move forward in their lives and careers. Building relationships, understanding people's challenges and celebrating their progress made the work incredibly rewarding.

Q: Why is belonging so important?

A: Everyone wants to feel that they belong.

As a refugee, there were times when I felt disconnected and unsure of where I fitted in. Through both the support I received as a participant and later as an employee, I experienced what it felt like to be welcomed, valued and trusted.

For me, belonging doesn't happen automatically. It's created through a partnership between the individual, their manager and the wider organisation. When all three work together, people can thrive.

Q: How did you develop your career at The Growth Company?

A: The biggest factor was trust.

My managers gave me opportunities to learn, take on additional responsibilities and develop my skills. Over time, that trust gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and progress professionally.

As the service evolved and expanded, I was encouraged to apply for a Lead Employment Advisor position. Knowing I would be supported throughout the process gave me the confidence to take that next step in my career.

Q: What have you learned about supporting others?

A: I've learned that trust takes time. Whether you're supporting participants or working with colleagues, relationships are built through listening, consistency and genuine care.

People are much more likely to engage when they know they are being heard and supported. That's something I try to bring to my work every day.

Q: What does your journey mean to you today?

A: Looking back, it's incredible to think that I started as a participant receiving support and am now helping others on their own journeys.

The opportunities I've been given have allowed me to build a career with purpose while supporting people facing similar challenges to those I once faced myself. It's a journey I'm incredibly proud of, and one that shows what can be achieved when people are given the opportunity, support and belief to succeed.


* The Refugee Employability Programme (REP), previously operated by the Growth Company, has now closed.