Carlingford resident and Argentinian migrant Orlando Gonzalez is on the path to success after graduating from the TAFE NSW Skillmax program.

The fee-free short course is available to qualified migrants to Australia 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.

When Orlando arrived in Australia he found he was struggling to enter the Australian workforce, despite his considerable experience and Argentinean qualifications.

Orlando said, “I was finding that, despite my experience in Civil Engineering, 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 TAFE NSW Skillmax program I knew that would be the perfect thing to help bridge the gap and get into a good job.”

TAFE NSW Meadowbank teacher Margaret Beck, said the course was perfect for migrants with overseas qualifications looking to tap into the Australian job market.

“We know that while many migrants arrive in Australia with the most incredible qualifications, 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 skills they need to get into the job they want,” Margaret said.

Since completing the Skillmax course, Orlando has now found employment as a Project Manager at Brolton Group in Riverstone NSW and could not be happier with the help and support he received from TAFE NSW. He has since enrolled in the Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design to further enhance his skills and progress his career.

“I’ve managed to get my dream job and I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the teachers and staff at TAFE NSW.

“Landing a job for a migrant has double value; it means nothing less than the possibility for migrants to remain in Australia and create a better life for their families.”

TAFE NSW can help qualified migrants enter the Australian workforce. To find out more about the range of courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media Officer. M: 0412 478 415