National Careers Week 2026 returns with the theme ‘Own Your Future’, showcasing how free careers guidance and educational resources across the UK are helping people take ownership of their career path.
Maryna Bozhko, 31, relocated from Ukraine to St. Asaph in April 2025 under a sponsorship scheme
Before arriving, Maryna held a diploma in interpreting but had never worked professionally in the field.
“I spoke to my council, and they recommended me to go straight to Careers Wales,” Maryna said. “I spoke to someone in the Working Wales service, and they said they could check my CV and help me with tips on how to find a job.”
Maryna was supported by Gareth Evans, a trainee careers adviser based at the Rhyl careers centre.
“I told him I was looking for a job as an interpreter, but I didn’t have any experience,” she explained.
“He checked my CV, suggested changes, and shared links to agencies. He even told me about a course for interpreters in Cardiff. He was always quick to respond to all my questions. I really appreciated that.”
Gareth shared contact details for several interpreting agencies, and two of them led directly to work.
Within a month, Maryna secured her first role with a telephone interpreting agency. She later joined a second agency offering face-to-face interpretation work.
“Now I work for two agencies. One is remote, and the other is in person. I love the role. It was scary at first, but everything went smoothly,” she said.
Maryna also enrolled on a 10-week online public service interpreting course recommended during her guidance sessions. She has completed all her assignments and will soon receive her certificate from Cardiff University.
Reflecting on her journey, Maryna credits the support she received with helping her move forward quickly and confidently.
“Gareth gave me confidence. Everyone told me it would take six months to find a job, but I got one in a month. He went beyond his role and shared everything he knew. That support made all the difference.”
She encourages others who may feel uncertain about starting again in a new country – or a new career – to seek support.
“Even if it’s scary, do it anyway. Give yourself some time to try. If it doesn’t fit, you can change. There are so many opportunities.”
Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government to provide careers guidance and employability support for those aged 16 and above.
For more information about Working Wales and how to access careers support, visit the Working Wales website, call free on 0800 028 4844, speak to an adviser via webchat, or email workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales.