‘My Dream Come True’: Experienced Engineer Yurii Secures Job After Skills and Language Support

An experienced engineer who settled on Teesside after leaving war-hit Ukraine has secured work with a helping hand from a tailored programme.

Two years ago, Yurii Machenko was forced to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and brought his family to the UK.

Now the 42-year-old is living in Norton – and has secured work as a Telecommunications Engineer after completing a career-focused training course through the DTN Academy – backed by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Back home, Yurii had extensive experience in digital telecommunications, working as a telecoms engineer and fibre optic cable splicer.

But adjusting to life in the UK came with challenges – including overcoming language barriers and a lack of recognised British qualifications.

To bridge the gap, Yurii enrolled in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses – attending classes at Stockton Business Centre and Stockton Riverside College, alongside volunteer lessons with Ukrainian teacher from Middlesbrough, Keteryna Poliievets, and self-study using platforms like YouTube and Duolingo.

Alongside his studies, he worked part-time as a delivery driver, volunteered at Stockton HUB, and attended additional training organised by the Red Cross and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

The real turning point came when he joined the DTN Academy through support from the Combined Authority’s Adult Skills Fund.

Yurii said: “I learned about the Academy from the Jobcentre staff, and it became my dream come true.

“They helped me arrange a meeting with Geoff (Wilson), and we had a warm, friendly conversation. When I received the invitation letter from the DTN Academy, it was the happiest day in two years.”

The course offered both theoretical and practical training, including fibre splicing, which enabled him to gain the qualifications needed to return to his industry.

It also offered him another leg-up for his English.

“The teachers supported me,” he added.

“They were friendly, which helped me calm my nerves. They slowed down when I needed to understand better, and they gave me the opportunity to prepare with printed literature.”

During his training, Yurii was invited to an interview arranged through DTN, which led to him securing work as a Cable Engineer for Stockton-based Commplex Network Services Ltd.

He added: “I’m incredibly happy to have the opportunity to work in my industry. I’d like to improve and expand my skills.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Yurii’s story shows what can be achieved when people are given a chance and the right support.

“He brought valuable skills with him to Teesside, and by working together with our partners we’ve helped him overcome barriers, gain the qualifications he needed and get back into the job he loves.

“This is exactly what our investment in skills is about, supporting people, backing talent and making sure our region benefits from the experience and determination people like Yurii bring.”

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the support that’s been put in place locally to help Yurii rebuild his career here in Stockton-on-Tees.

“Education and skills are at the heart of opportunities like this, and by combining language support, tailored training and strong links with employers, we can help people turn experience into real jobs – and it’s great to see this funding doing just that.”

The training has been delivered with the help of funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund.