We have now had our first session of the New Scots: Hacklab project! We spent an afternoon in the Hacklab, in Summerhall laser cutting, using the 3D printer and getting to grips with all the different wood and metalwork tools.

“You can see such joy in handling tools again”

(Read a blog about the event from MCFB here)

The workshop was also a lovely chance to share expertise throughout the group, as we had a large range of different backgrounds, including mechanics, architects and engineers.

We have piloted sessions including Syrian New Scot engineers and architects from local higher education institutes and companies to share experiences from the sector with the MCFB’s Syrian Men’s Group. This event developed as the result of  feedback that the men in the group were keen to hear from peers about what’s happening in Scotland, develop their English, maintain and develop technical skills,  widen their local contacts, and have a better understanding of employment pathways.

Discussions during the event included sharing different techniques from Syria and Scotland for reducing building work noise, the differences in professional regulations and the challenges the European, French and Greek, engineers who came with English as a second language and tips for both overcoming those challenges and working professionally in Scotland.  Feedback was very positive from the New Scots and the facilitators themselves about the interactions and opportunities to learn about each other, including comments about the importance of “Scottish people with practical skills sharing valuable information.” The New Scots further expressed a desire for:

• More practical activities developing technical skills 

• Increased opportunities to meet peers with different backgrounds 

• A bigger focus on English language learning and key technical vocabulary, as this is still the biggest barrier to employment.