91¿ì»îÁÖ

A former university lecturer from Afghanistan who experienced homelessness after arriving in the UK has secured his first job in Britain after completing a work placement at the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ.

Hamza, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, is now working for the NHS after a five-week placement created through a partnership between the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ and .

BHT Sussex is one of Sussex’s largest homelessness charities, providing housing, support, and employment programmes for people experiencing homelessness or insecure housing. Through its , funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the charity helps people rebuild confidence, gain workplace experience, and move towards long-term employment.

Modern building surrounded by students on a summer's day with a sign reading 'the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ'

When BHT Sussex approached the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ to ask whether a placement could be arranged for Hamza, teams across the university worked together to create an opportunity tailored to his experience and career ambitions.

Before moving to the UK, Hamza taught mathematics at university level in Afghanistan. But after arriving in Britain, he found that his teaching qualifications were not recognised, forcing him to rethink his career. While applying for jobs, he began retraining in data analytics – using data to identify patterns and support decision-making – but struggled to secure work without UK experience.

To help bridge that gap, colleagues in the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ’s Planning and Performance team created a five-week placement, giving Hamza the chance to work on real university projects analysing student data and comparing performance with other universities.

The experience gave him professional UK workplace experience, practical technical skills, and the confidence to continue applying for jobs. Within weeks of completing the placement, he secured an administrative role with the NHS.

Vicky Horder, Placements, Internships and Volunteering Manager at the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ, said: “It’s been such a joy to facilitate this opportunity and follow Hamza's journey. It shows how collaboration across the University and with our partners can create meaningful opportunities and make a real difference in our community.”

Liz Ridley, Planning and Performance Manager at the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ, said: “It’s a great example of why it is so important for organisations to create opportunities like this. I’m thrilled to hear that Hamza has since gone on to secure his first role in the UK – he will be a real asset to the NHS.”

Judith Bradshaw, Work Placement Coordinator at BHT Sussex, said: “This opportunity has been invaluable. When people have been out of work for some time, confidence and self-belief can be just as important as qualifications. Hamza now has the opportunity to rebuild his sense of purpose, earn an income, and move towards more secure housing. We’re incredibly grateful to the university for the role they played in helping him get there.”

The partnership forms part of the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ’s wider commitment to working with community partners across Sussex to tackle social challenges, widen access to opportunity, and create initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for individuals and the communities they live in.