‘Women are not afforded opportunities like this’: Heavy trades upskill for former refugee

A young woman who didn’t have the chance to work in her home country, in less than six months has attained two jobs and is constructing her future with a new skill-operating machinery.

Mignone Ingabire has gained confidence to operate front end loaders and excavators in a short trade qualification.

The first time Coffs Harbour’s Mignone Ingabire climbed into the cab of an excavator she was nervous, but now with steady hands and growing confidence, she is operating the machine like a pro.

Ms Ingabire is part of a groundbreaking cohort of 16 former-refugee graduates who have just finished a short trade certificate on operating front end loaders and excavators in Coffs Harbour.

The program is designed to address employment barriers faced by new arrivals with limited networks, language barriers and the struggle to gain local employment.

The cohort of 16 students, all former refugees, who have just completed a short course operating heavy machinery at Coffs Harbour TAFE.

TAFE NSW Director of Skills Team Nic Bryant said the hands-on tailored course allows the students to work in the high demand civil construction industry.

“With employment demand expected to grow by 11 per cent across NSW for civil construction projects by 2033, the training is timely for the participants and industry,” he said.

Mignone Ingabire arrived in Australia in June after growing up as a refugee in Burundi.

For Ms Ingabire, 20, who arrived in Coffs Harbour in June from a refugee camp in Burundi, she is keen for a job in the construction industry.

“This would not have been possible for me in my country, women are not afforded opportunities like this,” Ms Ingabire said.

“I lived in my country for 20 years and never had the chance to get a job but here I work two jobs and now have this construction experience which will secure my future prospects here in Coffs Harbour,” she said.

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]