Alia Elhamed moved to Melbourne 20 years ago.
She completed training to find work in childcare but wasn’t able to get a job until she underwent further training with the SEE program through Learning for Employment.
Alia said looking for work was hard for her because of language barriers.
She had trouble understanding others which became especially difficult in interviews.
“My English was limited, when I would speak in interviews it was not very well but I am a hard worker so I knew I could get a job.”
Alia was referred to the SEE class in Laverton where she received support with English and employment readiness.
“All the teachers and staff were very helpful, they were very nice and I learned a lot,” she said.
Some of the things Alia said she learned included operating the internet, sending messages, how to apply for jobs and how to speak in interviews.
She also gained other digital skills including learning how to read and send emails and create documents in word.
“My spelling was very bad but now it is improving and I am more confident when I speak to people.”
Alia ended up getting a job at a childcare centre in Altona Meadows which she left for personal reasons.
Now Alia hopes that one day she will be able to study aged care.
“In that job you help people, I would like to help support older people because they need help too.”
Alia said she recommends the SEE program for anyone who would like to come to Australia and work.
“It is a good program and helped me very much , it will help others too.”
Jennifer Pittorino
