EMPLOYMENT Advisor Yuliia Khotieieva has received the UK’s top employability award, in recognition for her exceptional performance and dedication in helping people, including refugees, to secure employment and integrate into their communities.
Yuliia, who works at the Maximus office in Cardiff, was named Frontline Advisor of the Year at this year’s Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Awards ceremony, held in London on Thursday 4 December.
The ERSA Awards celebrate the best of the employability sector, with the Frontline Advisor of the Year category recognising those who go above and beyond in providing exceptional support to job seekers.
When Yuliia joined Maximus in 2022 after fleeing the war in Ukraine, she was eager to use her own experiences as a refugee to help others overcome similar challenges and build a new life.
Her kindness, empathetic nature and determination helped her to build strong, trusting relationships with participants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including many refugees.
In just two years she has helped more than 100 participants find employment – supporting refugees with tailored advice and collaborating with local employers and community organisations to create sustainable career opportunities.
Her success has also made her a trusted resource within Maximus, with the leadership team regularly seeking her expertise for Ukranian and Russian-speaking participants.
She has become a top-performing advisor in her Cardiff office, not only exceeding her job outcome target by 177%, but also securing the highest number of job starts within her team.
Reflecting on her award, Yuliia said: “The ERSA awards were absolutely unforgettable and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent Maximus.
“To be nominated for Frontline Advisor of the Year and to win is such an honour to me. As a Ukrainian who came to Wales two years ago, this achievement is a great example of what is possible for everyone who comes to the UK from other countries, especially refugees.
“Everything is possible if you believe in yourself, work hard and you accept support from others when it’s difficult. I am so thankful to all my team and everyone who supported me!”
