BRS Technology is celebrating the second year of working with specialist refugee and migrant work agency Bridges Programmes.
Internet of Things (IoT) and air-quality specialists BRS started working with Bridges Programmes in 2018, though Bridges itself has been operating since the early 2000s.
Bridges’ aim is to help find work or work experience for asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow and those in Scotland for whom English is a second language.
Diverse and digital
BRS started working with Bridges Programmes in 2018 when Bridges’ assistant director, Liz Porter, met with BRS and saw the potential in a crossover between BRS’ coding needs and the talent pool she had available.
She said: “The directors at BRS were very clear in what they were trying to do in their mission of analysing indoor air environments so that owners, landlords, housing associations and others could make sure it is as healthy as possible.
“I told them that we had programmers and coders on our books and since then we’ve supplied people to them – some short-term and some long-term – and we continue to work together where possible.”
The BRS team currently comprises a diverse make-up, including PhDs and software developers from the likes of Bulgaira, Syria, Libya, India, and Pakistan.
AI and air quality
BRS works with major private and social housebuilders, material manufacturers, and architects to ensure premium air quality and to prevent issues such as mould and damp.
BRS director Michael McKiernan said: “When we discovered the talent Bridges had available it made sense on so many levels to get involved with them to help boost the Scottish workforce that we had.
“We’ve now got talent, PhDs, and software developers from the likes of Bulgaria, Syria, Libya, India, and Pakistan.
“Not only have we benefited from their software, AI, and machine learning skills, but also the incredible sense of perspective and different insights that has given us.
“We’ve hired from Bridges, and we’ll look to do so again when the time is right.”