Raad Imara has been living in Australia for more than 10 years, and after just a few weeks of taking part in the English for Courier Driving course he has finally secured his first official job.
Raad was a goldsmith in Iraq and Syria, creating beautiful handmade earrings, bracelets and necklaces in 21-carat gold. It is this attention to detail and pride in his work that has seen him succeed in his new role at Australia Post. That – and the skills and confidence he gained from the pilot course, delivered by Navitas English in collaboration with Thrive Refugee Enterprise and Settlement Services International (SSI).
“I love my job,” Raad said of the work that involves packing items, driving and delivering parcels and letters.
“I love it because I am active … and when I deliver packages to clients, they feel happy to receive them quickly.
“My boss is very good and the people I work with are like friends now. They are from many countries, like China, India and Arabic countries.”
Raad came to Australia on a humanitarian visa in 2009 and has participated in a range of courses, including classes through the Australian Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas. With an 18-month old son and a strong desire for work, he was thrilled to gain the job at Australia Post, Preston, where he works six days a week.
The English for Courier Driving course was delivered over eight weeks, one day per week, from June to August. It included interactive material on working as a courier driver, such as language/vocabulary, communication/role play with customers and supervisors, following instructions and using Google Maps.
Students were also given support with job seeking and job application skills, and Thrive Refugee Enterprise delivered a workshop outlining the opportunities with Australia Post and how to become a sub-contractor courier driver.
“With increased opportunities for, and interest in, this type of work, we are now evaluating the course, receiving feedback from people like Raad, tweaking it where needed and making more connections with other courier-based companies so that we can deliver another course in the new year,” said Navitas English Stakeholder Engagement Manager Genevieve Lewis.
“This is a course that provides participants with a real opportunity to get their first job by using a skill they already have (driving) and building their knowledge and confidence, enabling them to improve their English, get to know Sydney and, if interested, even start their own business as a sub-contractor.”
Raad said after starting his career at Australia Post he had no intention of returning to the jewellery business.
“I did this course because I wanted to get a job,” he said.
“The course helped me … and I am happy now because I have a job I love.”
Notice: On 1 December 2021, Navitas English changed its name to Navitas Skilled Futures. This name change reflects our programs, the focus of our work, and our positive impact on the people we serve. Find out more here.