Austin was referred to KORI when he was seventeen, just before his refugee status was confirmed. Understandably he had been under great stress, learning the norms of a new country and living independently. He was referred to gain support developing a positive network; build his communication skills, receive career guidance and be positively exposed to new experiences.
All young people join KORI with different attitudes, Austin joined keen to engage with all that was being offered. He attended the youth hub each week and made new friends. He jumped at the opportunity to attend a Blooming Minds Industry Lab day with our partners: Mott MacDonald’s. This afforded him a deeper look into the world of engineering, which is his chosen career! We then set up work experience and found him the right industry mentor from the same company.
In October 2025, Austin began studying engineering at university! He is really enjoying the challenge and we are excited that he has asked to be trained in youth work so he can support other young people with their journeys.
