English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Asylum seekers cannot get government-funded English lessons for the first 6 months in the UK.
- But, there are many volunteer groups that offer free English lessons to asylum seekers, no matter how long you have been in the UK.
Map of English lessons in Hertfordshire - including government-funded and free.
Step2Skills gives free English classes to asylum seekers who have waited more than 6 months. Contact details and online form available on their website.
ESOL printable guide (PDF 99kb)
Finding a job
Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers (GOV.UK) - generally, as an asylum seeker you are not allowed to work for the first 12 months in the UK. After this time, you may be permitted to work but only in certain jobs.
To improve your skills and help your chances of getting a job when you are allowed to work:
Libraries in Hertfordshire – you can get free access to computers, the internet, books and newspapers
For general advice and support getting a job contact
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Connect to work
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An experienced Employment Advisor will work with clients on a one-to-one basis. Building a plan that works towards you finding a job to matches skills, experience, and interests. Aim is to rapidly “place and train” into a role rather than use traditional job searching methods.
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You must;
Live in Herts
Be over 18
Have the right to work
Be currently unemployed
Open to; Resettled Afghans, Ukrainians on the H4U Scheme & all other refugees
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Job Centre Plus
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Restart - A program that is mandatory for those claiming UC who are assessed as able to work after 6 months of claiming without finding work. They are referred through the job centre and receive 15 months support to find work
Additional WC Time - Extra support for those with health conditions on a voluntary basis including 30 minute appointments with a dedicated work coach to move closer to or into work. Need to claim UC.
Normal JCP Offer - Includes signposting to jobs, CV /Interview help. Job clubs/ employment opportunities. As per the GOV.UK Website.
Low value Procurement - Short term, low cost provision for a specific need to enable a job start. Pays for training/certificates if for a specific qualification to enhance ability to secure a specific job. Provided on individual, discretionary basis.
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Open to all who are;
Currently claiming Universal Credit
All refugees with right to work
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Community Action Dacorum
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Pathways project - for those that have been housed by Dacorum Borough Council, offering ESOL, Job Seeking (looking at CV writing and transferrable skills), Know Your Employability Rights, Life In The Uk, Basic IT skills, Setting Up Your Own Business.
ESOL for Employment – step 2 skills
How the support is accessed?
Referral from DBC, HCC, HWR, Refugee Council, Reed, Job Centres and general advertising. Progression from other providers such as West Herts College, through Job clubs such as Southhall Centre.
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Referral through
District & Boroughs
Herts Welcome Refugees
Refugee Council
Job Centre
Other job clubs
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Strategic Migration Partnership
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Employability for Overseas Nationals
CV preparation, cover letters, assistance with applications and interview practice.
Specialist employment adviser for graduates and professional careers, including high skills job
search course and mentoring.
Assistance to restart a medical career, including referrals for medical support worker and clinical attachment roles. Courses to prepare for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) exams.
Help with driving theory including an online self-study course.
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East Herts residents only
Hong Kong BN(O)s
Ukrainian Guests
VPRS/VCRS
Former UASC now over 18
(with permission to work)
Asylum Seekers
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Skillsum
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A comprehensive range of employability and skills support, including:
- NHS employment supporting participants into entry-level and administrative roles.
- Construction pathways, including full support with CSCS training, preparation and card attainment.
- Retail and warehouse employment, supported through partnerships with local employers and agencies.
A short, targeted programme that combines:
- Digital skills and AI literacy – introducing practical tools (AI basics, productivity, job search automation)
- Employability training – CVs, interview preparation, and LinkedIn
- Business English – to build confidence in both written and spoken communication
- Mentoring and coaching – strengthening resilience, workplace readiness, and long-term integration
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Open to;
Refugees, asylum seekers with permission to work particular focus on supporting residents currently living in refugee hotels
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Specialist Training and Employment STEP Programme
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Employment support and English language classes to up to 4,000 Ukrainians and HK BNO(s) residing in England.
3-month programme
- 12 weeks of one-to-one personalised employment support
- 10 weeks of daily English classes (Monday to Friday)
6-month programme
- 24 weeks of one-to-one personalised employment support
- 17 weeks of English classes (3 days a week)
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Open to;
HKBNO
Ukrainians
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GoVolHerts
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Volunteering can be an activity that helps in the search for work.
- Anyone/everyone can freely visit to search for opportunities to volunteer with non-profit endeavours in Hertfordshire
- Anyone/everyone can freely and easily create an account in order to contact the organisations via the website to find out more or apply
- Model is digital self-service.
- We have a Help centre with step by step guides Help | GoVolHerts
- We also have a newsletter that anyone with an email address can sign up to and get information about volunteering, events, news etc
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Open to;
Anyone over 16 years old
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