The Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, is celebrating a decade of its pioneering refugee training programme, which has equipped more than 200 refugees with essential event management skills. According to festival organisers, 85% of participants have gone on to secure employment in the events industry or related fields.
Programme Origins and Growth
Launched in 2016 in partnership with the Welsh Refugee Council, the initiative was designed to address the barriers refugees face in accessing the UK labour market. Over the past 10 years, the programme has expanded from a small workshop to a comprehensive training scheme that includes hands-on experience in stewarding, ticketing, stage management, and hospitality during the festival itself.
"Many refugees arrive with professional backgrounds but struggle to get their first job in the UK due to language barriers or lack of local references," said a spokesperson for the Welsh Refugee Council. "This programme gives them practical experience and a foot in the door."
Impact on Participants
One participant, Ahmed, a former engineer from Syria who arrived in Wales in 2019, said: "The training was life-changing. I learned how to work in a team, communicate effectively in English, and manage high-pressure situations. After the festival, I was offered a full-time job with an events company in Cardiff."
The programme has also fostered community integration. Local festival-goers have embraced the initiative, with many expressing pride in the festival's inclusive ethos. "It's amazing to see people from all over the world working together to make this event happen," said a regular attendee.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Green Man Festival aims to double the number of training places by 2028 and introduce a mentorship scheme pairing graduates with industry professionals. Organisers are also exploring the possibility of a year-round training centre in the Brecon Beacons region.
"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the last decade," said the festival's director. "But there is still so much more to do. We want to ensure that every refugee in Wales has the opportunity to benefit from this programme."
