MatchWorks supports job seeker’s return to shoe making
MatchWorks job seeker Anas moved to Australia with limited English skills in 2016 from Syria, where he worked as a qualified shoe maker for 20 years.
Anas was having difficulty finding work due to his language barriers, so he established a relationship with MatchWorks Corio in June 2016.
Employment consultant Mimi Wong assisted Anas to complete English courses with Diversitat and also made contact with several shoe repair companies around Geelong.
“We were looking for volunteer work to help him get his foot in the door, but we were having no luck. The companies either didn’t take volunteers or didn’t have time to work with a volunteer with only basic English language skills as their stores were very busy at the time,” Mimi said.
“I then noticed a shoe maker position come up at EMU Australia headquarters located in South Geelong. I called Anas in and we did the application together.”
Corio job seeker Anas and EMU Australia factory manager Steve Maul.
Anas was offered a full-time position as a Sheepskin Clicker and started on January 15, 2018. Anas is enjoying the work and couldn’t be happier that he is able to use his shoe making qualifications in Australia.
EMU Australia factory manager Steve Maul said he is very happy with Anas’ performance.
“Anas is going very well in employment and is fitting in very well with the team. He is demonstrating high quality work due to his previous experience,” he said.