English Path are proud to announce that we have partnered with Breaking Barriers and Birmingham City Council in helping to deliver free, accredited English courses for Ukrainian residents in Birmingham. The programme forms part of a wider employability package ran by Breaking Barriers, which is designed to help participants develop language skills, confidence and employability skills to help them into work in the UK.
The 11‑week course is delivered through afternoon classes at EP Birmingham and is free at the point of access for all students taking part. It builds on the existing partnership between English Path and Breaking Barriers, which already supports people from refugee backgrounds to access English Path courses across all UK school locations, and reflects our commitment to community engagement and social inclusion.
Sian Matos, Global Head of Operations, said, “English Path teaches languages, bringing people together through communication in a divided world. We believe in changing lives through education, and are proud to be working in collaboration with Breaking Barriers and Birmingham City Council on this initiative.”
Alongside 50 hours of in‑person English classes, the employability package includes access to digital learning apps, one‑to‑one CV and interview support, Jobs Club sessions and employer talks, and practical help with travel, devices and internet access where needed. The course is supporting unemployed Ukrainian residents living in Birmingham who hold a Homes for Ukraine visa and have intermediate‑level English.
Campus Manager of EP Birmingham Kathryn Orr is delighted that the school is making a positive impact in the local community. She said, “It has been wonderful to be able to support Ukrainian residents improve their English language skills and employability through our Business English and Employability Skills course. The feedback from the students has been excellent and it’s been a delight to have them with us.”