Counting on Kaplan

From seeking first jobs to restarting careers, the people of refugee background that we work with are a diverse group. However, while they might be at different stages of their employment journeys, with unique needs, our data reveals that most are highly educated and experienced. 

According to our new Impact Report, two thirds of our clients in 2024-25 had at least three years’ work experience, while 30% had worked for 10 years or more. Almost three-quarters (71%) of our clients had at least an undergraduate degree or other Level 6 qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma. And 24% hold a master’s degree, PhD or other Level 7/8 qualification. 

Despite their high level of qualifications and experience, many of these clients still struggle to gain employment or to restart their careers in the UK. This is down to many factors, including language barriers to a lack of UK work experience. But, for some, one of the biggest challenges is the non-recognition of international qualifications.  

Requalifying for a career in the UK can be an arduous and expensive process, which can be out of reach for many refugees due to high living costs and the immediate need to earn an income.  

This is why the partnerships we form with like-minded organisations are vital to opening up employment, training and re-accreditation opportunities for refugees.  

A formula for success 

One such partnership is with international educational services company, Kaplan. In the last 85 years, Kaplan has helped more than 3 million individuals and businesses to achieve their education goals.  

The organisation was founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan, a first-generation son of immigrants, who began tutoring his classmates from his parents’ home in Brooklyn, New York. He eventually built a business helping students prepare for the SATs (Scholastic Assessment Tests) before expanding into English language training, higher education, online learning and pathway programmes. Kaplan expanded its operations beyond North America in the 1990s and now delivers its services from over 200 locations worldwide. 

In 2019, Kaplan teamed up with our Re-accreditation Programme – then part of partner charity RefuAid – to support refugee accountants to restart their careers in the UK. To date, Kaplan has provided bursaries to 10 clients, to allow them to complete the globally recognised ACCA [Association of Chartered Certified Accountants] professional certification. 

Elizabeth Hess, Executive Director of Communications at Kaplan, says she is proud to work with Breaking Barriers to help refugees access education and training. She explained: “One of Kaplan’s key values is to create opportunity by opening doors and broadening access to education and our organisations’ shared goals make our collaboration particularly rewarding. The Breaking Barriers team have been incredibly helpful, and their support of their clients is inspiring.” 

Izatullah is one of the clients who has benefitted from a bursary from Kaplan to undertake the ACCA qualification.  

Reflecting on his experience, he said: “I’m truly grateful to Breaking Barriers for supporting me in obtaining this bursary and to Kaplan for providing such incredible resources through the programme.  

“The high-quality learning materials and guidance have made a huge difference in my ACCA journey and have greatly boosted my confidence while preparing for exams. I’m excited to continue progressing towards completing my qualification and building a successful career in finance.” 

Final thoughts 

Every day we speak to clients who have had to leave their lives behind in their home country, and are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding everything from scratch. For many, returning to their prior career helps to bring back a semblance of their old life and identity. This can be transformative for someone who has lost everything.  

Our team works hard to provide clients with one-to-one guidance and support, but our partnerships are so important in opening up re-accreditation opportunities for refugees. That’s why we are so grateful to Kaplan, and we look forward to continuing to work with the team to support even more refugees on their employment journeys.