‘It’s got to be the right job’: the Welsh employment scheme tailored to local needs

Sediq Shamal in Rhyl. He left Afghanistan after the return of the Taliban in 2021. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Sediq Shamal saw more than his fair share of blood when he worked as a medic with British special forces in Afghanistan. Now resettled in north Wales, he’s putting skills honed on the battlefield to use in the health service.

“I have experience: I managed before 10 casualties, five casualties, explosions. I am proud now that I have my job with the NHS.”