Ethiopian refugee Abbas Sherif's determination to establish himself in Australia means he travels an hour and half each-way by bus to be able to work casual shifts at a food processing plant.
Abbas was referred to AMES Australia's Individualised Pathway Plan (IPP) by his Settlement Case Manager Tafere Berhe in March when he said he was desperate to get a job.
Abbas attended an initial IPP appointment with AMES Work Broker Prasant Modi.
“He was very keen to get a job and also to get his forklift license so assisted him to get an early activation to jobactive services and linked with AMES Werribee," Prasant said.
Abbas then participated in the IPP Refugee Mentoring Program which consists of individualised, intensive mentoring for refugee clients to assist with planning their pathway and ultimate career. He also attended ACFE Training.
Abbas was assisted with resume writing by AMES Employment Pathway Coordinator Solomon Kebede.
He was supported in getting his forklift knowledge test re-booked through the use of Employment Funds and successfully passed his test.
Abbas was then referred to a Cornerstone HR Pick-Packer vacancy by his AMES Werribee Work Said Sultani. He successfully undertook the Pre-Employment Program and secured a casual position as a Pick-Packer in early June.
“He is currently getting shifts through Cornerstone HR at Salad Fresh in Broadmeadows which is in the north of Melbourne and Abbas travels around an hour and half by bus to reach at work which shows great commitment and dedication!" Prasant said.
“He should gradually be offered work in the west near to where he lives once things get back to normal from COVID-19," she said.
“Abbas was very happy and thankful for the assistance AMES has been able to give him," Prasant said.