FROM odd jobs to a potential career, Craigieburn’s Sande Salman is thankful to adult education for giving him a chance to learn new skills.
The Iraqi born 24-year-old is now a budding landscape gardener, one of many who took part in Banksia Gardens Community Centre’s work and learning pathways program this year.
The centre has received new funding to establish a Hume Learn Local Network expanding the program to Sunbury and Craigieburn next year.
Banksia Gardens business and learning development manager Greg Ferrington said in partnership with employment agencies and employers the centre was providing training such as introductions to childcare, suitability, construction and landscaping as well as job readiness and pre-apprenticeships.
“It’s about the transition to future education or employment,” Mr Ferrington said.
Mr Salman and his fellow construction and landscaping trainees learnt their trade landscaping around Banksia Gardens. Mr Salman said he lived in Turkey before receiving refugee status with his family and missed the opportunity for secondary schooling.
“This has meant a lot,” he said. “I can put this on my resume that I’ve done landscaping.”
Banksia Gardens is one of 50 Learn Local community education centres that will share in $2.65 million announced by the State Government. The Meadow Heights Learning Shop will also receive funding.
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