TAFE NSW is supporting skilled migrants to pathway into the Australian workforce with the highly successful Skillmax program.

Iran-born Matti Hosseini arrived in Australia in December 2020. Originally a construction project manager in Iran, Matti enrolled in the Skillmax program at TAFE NSW Meadowbank when he was unable to crack into the Australian job market.

Matti said, “I was finding that despite my experience in architecture and construction project management, I didn’t have the skills I needed, or the knowledge of the Australian job market and culture to secure a job. 

“When I found out about the Skillmax course offered through TAFE NSW I knew that would be the perfect thing to help bridge the gap and get into a good job.”

Skillmax is funded by the NSW Government and assists skilled migrants with overseas qualifications to seek employment in their area of professional expertise in Australia. The program is free to eligible participants and is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of the current labour market, as well as strategies to access employment opportunities in Australia.

Margaret Beck, teacher on the Skillmax program at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, said the course was perfect for any migrant looking to tap into the Australian job market, whether they are recent arrivals, professionals looking to return to the market after a career break or someone whose employment opportunities have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that while many migrants arrive in Australia with high-level qualifications and relevant experience, it can often be difficult to navigate the Australian job market and secure a career. Skillmax helps to bridge that gap and gives students the knowledge they need to go for that interview and get the job,” Margaret said. 

Since completing the Skillmax course, Matti has now found full-time permanent employment as a CAD Visualizer at Solid Support Ltd in Sydney. 

“Passing this course assisted me to prepare for local interviews, understand the differences and get an insight into what is expected from me, and what kind of questions I should prepare myself to answer,” Matti said.

“I was invited for a number of job interviews before finishing the course, and immediately after the course ended, I found a job.

“Without a doubt, equipping oneself with this information can change the outcome of job hunting and help you find a suitable job much faster. Sometimes people have the qualifications, but they don’t know how to present themselves in the right way. Skillmax helps you to present yourself professionally in the Australian market.”

TAFE NSW can help qualified migrants enter the Australian workforce. To find out more about the Skillmax course at TAFE NSW, enquire directly at skillmax@tafensw.edu.au, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.