‘Keep pushing forward’: Mazhar’s inspiring journey from student to support officer

Mazhar Abbasi brings a powerful asset to his work supporting participants of the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program with Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF); his own experience as an NSF student. 

Mazhar Abbasi helps participants completing the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program with Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) in Sydney to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Mazhar brings a powerful asset to the Participant Support Officer (PSO) role; his own experience studying with NSF and changing his life. 

He joined Navitas Skilled Futures to study the Australian Government’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) after his confidence reached an all-time low.  

Despite spending more of his life in Australia than in Pakistan where he was born, his spoken English skills suffered in recent years. He experienced an injury to his back which in turn impacted upon his mental health, and for more than a year he wasn’t able to go to work. 

“I joined the course to get out of the house, and back among people,” he said. 

“After being stuck at home for so long I lost some of my human skills, talking to people and things like that. 

“The course helped me basically get back into a social network and communicating. I had a good job before. But this health issue, has actually just taken a lot out of me so the AMEP helped me just get back into the normal daily life things.” 

Road to employment

The skills he developed at NSF not only built his confidence but led him to employment; in a full circle moment he was appointed to the brand new PSO role as part of the SEE Program this year.

“This role was exactly what I wanted to do, support other participants. It’s something related to what I went through, and I can give back because I have benefited from NSF. I just wanted to basically extend this opportunity to others.” 

 

Mazhar Abbasi, NSF Participant Support Officer

The SEE Program is a free training program funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and delivered by NSF, designed to improve language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.  

Following changes in July, NSF began delivering the program at four new locations in West Melbourne; Sunshine, St Albans, Footscray and Werribee. The program also introduced the new PSO role, saw expanded eligibility and an improved work experience component as part of the changes. 

Mazhar said some participants joining the course struggle with gathering information and understanding the services and processes, and that’s where he comes in. 

“In my role I basically help participants settle into the new learning environment and I am someone they can talk to,” he said. 

“If they have any problems hindering their learning, I support them along the way so that they can continue to upgrade their skills and become part of Australian society. 

“The role really sort of brings people together and helps to form a sort of community.” 

The SEE is designed to improve language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

Many of Mazhar’s participants come from migrant backgrounds, and through the program gain knowledge of Australia’s workplace environment as well as employability skills like how to look for jobs online, resume writing and interview training. 

As a PSO he conducts information sessions with students as well as holding one-on-one interviews to find out about their backgrounds, challenges, and goals. From there, he is available for any support they need. 

“By doing this course they get a clear pathway into whatever they want to do in the future,” Mazhar said. 

He said drawing on his own experience, he often gives his participants the same advice. 

“If I can come back from where I was, so can you. Keep pushing forward and remember you’re not alone on this journey.”

Mazhar Abbasi, NSF Participant Support Officer

Participants can also study flexibly, with learning available full-time and part-time, and can be done in a classroom, workplace or from home. 

For those interested in the SEE program for themselves or their loved ones, visit navitas-skilled-futures.com.au