News

Refugee help pilot extends

A NSW-based initiative which has helped almost 8,000 refugees and more than 2,000 people seeking asylum in Western Sydney, has been extended for 18 months.

NSW Minister for Skills and Training, Alister Henskens, announced last month that the five-year pilot program, Refugee Employment Support Program (RESP), will continue until December 2023.
One of those benefiting from the program is Guildford’s Mohammad Jawid Rezaei who took part after arriving in Australia from Kabul, Afghanistan, last October following the Taliban takeover, and is now employed at Milperra’s Southern Steel Supplies Pty Limited, while his wife is studying at university.
“I like working there; it’s a good work environment,” he said.
He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Management in Afghanistan, but faced several employment barriers in Australia.
“I didn’t know about transport, work culture, the local job market and interview process,” he said.
Mr Rezaei was referred to RESP who helped him access pathways to secure, long-term employment – identifying employment goals and barriers, and enrolling him in work-ready development workshops to learn about Australian work culture, find employment, professional networks, interview skills and apply for jobs online.
“They supported me a lot,” he said.
He said that working on the job has also improved his English language skills.
Details: nsw.gov.au.