Rhodes local and Egyptian migrant Ahmed Elfaramawy is encouraging skilled migrants to boost their job prospects with 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.

Ahmed was working as a Principal Structural Engineer in Qatar, overseeing around 20 staff leading major infrastructure projects. He and his wife decided to apply for permanent residency in Australia so that they could be exposed to a new challenge and adventure.

Though Ahmed had extensive experience and a high-level qualification he found he was finding it difficult to break through and enter the Australian workforce.

Ahmed said, “I was finding that, despite my experience in Structural Engineering, I didn’t have the knowledge of the Australian job market and culture or the particular skillset required to secure a job.

“The TAFE NSW Skillmax program was perfect for me as I learnt how to position myself for the jobs I was applying for and how to enhance small details like the phrasing of my resume to tackle the Australian job market.”

TAFE NSW Meadowbank teacher, Margaret Beck, said the course was perfect for migrants with overseas qualifications looking to find jobs that aligned with their skills.

“We know that while many migrants arrive in Australia with suitable qualifications and in-demand skills, it can often be difficult to navigate the Australian job market and establish a career. Skillmax helps to bridge that gap and gives students the knowledge and skills they need to get into the job they want,” Margaret said.

Ahmed accepted a job offer soon after he completed the Skillmax course and is now working as a Senior Structural Engineer at Rincovitch Consultants.

“The Skillmax course was exactly what I needed and gave me the skills to get a good job in Australia. The lessons I learnt helped me to secure a position quickly, meaning more certainty for me when I was still getting settled in my new home.

“I can’t thank my teachers enough for helping me transition to Australian life seamlessly and for giving me the opportunity to create a wonderful life here with my family.”

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 Sydney Media and Communications Business Partner, E: alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, M: 0402 528 210.