Navitas Skilled Futures equips Qais with new skills for work and study

Qais’ career started in banking. Within 12 years, he was managing a branch of Azizi Bank, Afghanistan’s leading commercial bank, dealing with large companies in industries such as construction and education. Now he and his family have moved to Australia he is expanding his range of skills through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF).

Eventually Qais wishes to study law in Australia, building on the law degree he obtained in Afghanistan. Learning English is his first priority. “When I improve my English, I will work and then study law,” he said.  

He is studying the AMEP higher level 2 course delivered at the Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) college in Fairfield and values the lessons that enable him to communicate with others. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. 

Learning a wide range of skills 

Qais also loves mastering the computer skills he is learning through NSF. “The computer course is very practical,” he said, explaining how important these skills will be for the office jobs he is keen to apply for. 

Having arrived in Australia in 2023, with the support of NSF he quickly obtained a number of licences and qualifications that would help him with his job search. “I have a security licence, a first aid qualification, my driving licence and my RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) licence. NSF helped me get all these,” he said.  

“I have a security licence, a first aid qualification, my driving licence and my RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) licence. NSF helped me get all these.”

Qais, AMEP Fairfield client

Importantly, he’s learned how to look for work through NSF and take advantage of job opportunities that came through his job provider. “My trainers helped me prepare for telephone and face to face interviews,” he said. 

Qais has found employment in a warehouse where he receives inbound goods and finds that his English is improving through this experience as well. “I’m learning more English from my workmates,” he said. “It’s great practice in how to speak to others.” 

Making friends from many cultures 

Qais’ classmates at NSF are from all over the world, and he enjoys learning about other cultures and food. He finds his NSF class has many celebrations, and he’s often eating new delicious dishes. “Today I had food from Ukraine, Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said smiling. 

He also finds support through the other clients “We talk about and solve each other’s problems,” he said. 

Enjoying family life in Australia 

Through NSF, Qais has visited many interesting places which he has then enjoyed taking his children, aged 6 to 15 to see. “My NSF trainers took us to Sydney Tower, the Harbour Bridge, the museum and to beaches,” he said. 

“I brought my family to Australia to have more opportunity and safety,” said Qais. “Here we are safe. I feel happy, and my family feels happy.” 

Find out more about the Adult Migrant English Program at Navitas Skilled Futures by calling 1300 798 111.