By Tate Papworth
A Braybrook student is well on his way to achieving his career goals and changing perceptions.
Year 12 student Vike Martin Ashien has recently completed a School-Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT) program with Sunshine Police.
Vike spent each Monday with Sunshine Police for 12 months, learning what’s required to be an officer.
He said the experience made him even more determined to become a police officer.
“What appeals to me most is the idea of bringing communities together to achieve social cohesion,” he said.
“It was a great experience, meeting lots of police and seeing how they do their job.
“I thought police were serious all the time, but knowing them better and seeing them joke around showed me they’re just like everyone else.”
He said he hopes his Sudanese background will help break down barriers.
“Being an African student, the reputation we’ve gained isn’t a great one, so I want to be able to restore that and help people realise we’re good people as well.
“It’s an unfair reputation, it’s pretty much judging a book by its cover.”
Vike is currently completing his year 12 studies and next year hopes to go to Victoria University before applying to join the force.
“I want to go to university first and study criminal justice and after that I’d like to do a little travel,” he said.
“It’s about getting a bit of life experience up before I apply.”
