Burmese refugees trying for a start in the auto industry

This Refugee Week we wanted to share a positive story from Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions team in Brisbane. It’s about two young refugees from Burma who are making a go of it in their new home.

Over the past 12 months, the team has been working with Keh Doh, 19, and Mah Let, 18, who both arrived in Australia in 2009 after each spending over a decade living in refugee camps in Thailand.

They have made great strides in the past year. Both have completed Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program classes and their English has now progressed to the point where they are ready, willing and able to work.

After discussing their career goals with one of our Chermside Employment Solutions Advisors, Christine Stevenson, they decided they both wanted to be mechanics.

They are now working towards that goal thanks to HELP Enterprises, an organisation Mission Australia works with in Brisbane to provide early school leavers with accredited training.

Both young men recently completed a Certificate II Automotive Mechanical and Keh Doh received a taste of working life through a one-week work placement.

Keh Doh came to Australia with his parents, brother and sister. Before this, the family had been living in a Thai refugee camp for almost 11 years.

“He is extremely enthusiastic and is going very well. He’s currently learning to drive and is going for his P-plates next Thursday – which is a big step,” said Ms Stevenson.

“His trainer, Peter, has told me that whenever there is tidying up to do or putting tools away – Keh Doh never ever questions anything but just does it, and quickly!”

Mah Let is also very keen to learn and carve out a new life in Australia after a rough start. This young man left Burma when he was two years old. He travelled on foot with his parents and five siblings, and spent 13 years in a refugee camp in Thailand.

“Both of these young people have had very tough existences,” said Ms Stevenson. “I am very impressed by their commitment and would love to see a positive outcome for both young men, who really do deserve a new start.”

Both Keh Doh and Mat Leh would love to work with cars. If you know someone in the auto industry who could provide them with start in the North Brisbane area, please email Ms Stevenson on stevensonch@missionaustralia.com.au.