BUILDING a new life is never easy and when moving on is not a choice but a necessity, settling down again can be tough.
That’s where programs such as a Brotherhood of St Laurence initiative come to the fore.
‘Given the Chance’ is designed for refugees ready to enter the workforce but lacking the local experience and work awareness needed to find and keep a job.
As part of the partnership, Victoria University is taking 19 refugee students, most of whom come from the Horn of Africa, through certificate 1 in construction.
Carpentry teacher Daniel Bonnici said the seven-week course taught the basics of building in preparation for construction industry jobs.
“These students come from diverse backgrounds and it’s a delight to watch the friendships forming across cultural and age boundaries,” Mr Bonnici said.
By way of thanks to the Brotherhood, students built picnic tables to be auctioned as a fund-raiser.
Brotherhood of St Laurence training officer Lis Kroker said the goal of employment at the end of the course was the key to its success.
“The participants understand how important this is to get to the next step,” she said.
