Sydney East Community College

For more than 70 years, Sydney East Community College has offered a place for adults in the community to learn. Since 2016 it has funded a mentor program linking skilled migrants and refugees with professional mentors, to create pathways to meaningful employment.

In 2022, the Bennelong Foundation provided a $30,000 grant that supported more than 150 job seekers to connect with 198 mentors. By combining one-to-one meetings, upskilling courses, networking nights, mock interviews, webinars and corporate engagement, a significant number of mentees have progressed to securing professional employment.

“This program addresses the ‘brain drain’ of far too many highly skilled and qualified people in our society who are doing casual work to pay the bills but not working to their full potential in their profession,” said Margaret Teed, Program Coordinator.

“The lasting benefits of the program extend to both mentees and mentors.

“Mentees experience a smoother transition into life and work in Australia - building confidence and fostering social connectedness.

"Mentors, volunteers and corporate partners benefit from cultural exchange, professional development and increased awareness and experience of diversity in the workplace.”

Flora, who took part in the program, arrived in Australia from Iran with a master’s degree in civil engineering and five years’ work experience. Upon applying for jobs in Australia, every application she submitted was rejected. This dented her hopes of ever working in her professional field again.

Flora entered the Mentor Program in 2023. She took part in a mock interview and was linked with a mentor at the local council. Flora then applied for and won a role as project officer at the council.

“Now I believe in miracles,” Flora says. “This job will benefit me and my family. I’m genuinely speechless and grateful.”

Another person who took part in the 2023 program was Hamid. He has a master’s degree in international relations and political science from his home country of Afghanistan and speaks four languages fluently.

Hamid was working on a construction site when he entered the program. After taking part in the professional development activities of the program and being connected with a mentor at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Hamid was able to secure a role as a stakeholder and community relationship coordinator. This drew on his previous experience as a communications lead for the International Red Cross in Kabul.

“The Mentor Program has been an enriching and transformative experience for me,” Hamid says.

“It has been invaluable for me to be matched with an exceptional mentor and provided with ongoing support: I’ve gained so much knowledge, insight and personal growth.