A refugee client with little education, limited English and no prior work experience has been supported into work by a dedicated team from AMES Australia's employment and youth services.
Client Pa La Kyi was born in Burma but has lived most of his life in a camp on the Thai-Burma border and received schooling only until Year 7.
After his arrival in Australia, in February 2019, he was placed with AMES Australia's employment service at Werribee.
Because of his limited English skills, AMES staff arranged Karen interpreters to support Pa La at appointments.
His other barriers to employment included no prior work experience and no driver's licence.
Pa La was first was referred to a course where he could improve his English skills and was then referred to AMES' Youth Services Reconnect program.
Pa La's AMES work broker Said Sultani supported him to access driving lessons and ultimately gain a licence.
Said also directed Pa La to a potential farm hand job where he was eventually employed by Grow Fresh Farms. He started work on January 13. Said also helped him obtain work clothes, protective equipment and shoes to make him work ready.
AMES staff have been impressed by Pa La's determination to overcome his barriers.
"Pa La Kyi displayed an eagerness to develop skills and knowledge. He attended all appointments scheduled for him and seems extremely keen to work because he stated he prefers to keep himself busy," said AMES Youth Services Pathway Counsellor Michelle Chahine.
Said added that "despite his limited English skills and lack of work experience, we were able to support Pa La Kyi and assist him in making positive progress, which in turn has led to sustainable employment".
"Pa La is very happy with the work he has obtained and thanked AMES for all the assistance," Said added
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