Fresh Approach Solution (FAS) has found a unique way to build a skilled talent pipeline for construction projects in Afghanistan.

The technical recruiter is placing electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen from India into Kandahar Airfield to develop site facilities ahead of an increase in troop volume. FAS is providing the training to help candidates earn necessary qualifications for the jobs.

Adrian Mansfield, owner of FAS, told Recruiter the candidates had the right skill sets, but around half needed to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Most also need to improve their English language skills to work in an environment where English is the dominant language.

“I would guess 60-80% are going through English language testing and we give them a refresher course,” he said.

Mohammed Akmal, FAS India’s HR manager, who will working on the site, told Recruiter the scheme offered candidates the opportunity to gain well-paid experience working to international standards.

The current project will involve up to 70 placements over the year, generating “somewhere in the region of £400,000-£500,000 in turnover”, Mansfield said.

He added that the base could provide further opportunities for the company: “The airfield is growing quite significantly. By the end of this year there will be 30,000-40,000 people living there. It’s like a small town; once word gets round that we can provide this service, we can grow from there.”

Supplying staff into a war zone raises security concerns for both candidate and client. FAS completes a police check in India of each
candidate who is then interviewed by the client, which has completed training with the British Ministry of Defence. Finally, the workers have a 30-40 minute briefing onsite with a US intelligence representative.

The airport is used by coalition troops entering the region and is based 10 miles South-East of Kandahar, according to the Islamic Republic
of Afghanistan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.