Vu Pham’s struggle to land a job after two decades in jail

VU PHAM has spent almost two decades in jail. He has turned his life around but even though he’s living a clean life, scoring a job is an everyday struggle for him but he hasn’t given up hope.

Vu Pham said he’s struggled the last couple of months to find work, despite being eager about working it is past that affects his chances. Picture: Carmela Roche

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AFTER countless stints in and out of jail as a youngster, Vu Pham got stuck in the cycle of having no job, no home, no friends and was back using ice.

“I had no hope,” he said.

“I had no direction and was going around and around. Most people like that end up suicidal.”

He would stay with family and friends and try to straighten up, but just couldn’t do it 100 per cent.

His latest stint in jail was following a shooting in Cabramatta in 2000.

His life changed this time after getting out of jail four months ago.

He met Tony Hoang, former gang member and drug dealer, who is now the pastor of The Potter’s House at Liverpool.

The pair met after Mr Pham, 35, had spent a total of 19 years in jail in relation to drugs and gang violence.

Tony Hoang said people like Vu Pham deserved a second chance. Picture: Carmela Roche

He shared his story with Mr Hoang, they prayed together, asking for a second chance.

Mr Pham now travels 90 minutes every morning on public transport to help at the church.

While he finds this rewarding, he is keen to land a paid permanent job.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting at the train platform for 19 years and I’ve finally got on the express train,” he said.

While in jail, Mr Pham completed his school certificate.

Vu Pham would love to land a paid job. Picture: Carmela Roche

He has his Year 11 equivalent, plus a natural ability for art, something he may one day pursue.

He also has a certificate III in metal fabrication. He said job providers just “put him on the pile” when they found out he’d spent time in jail.

“They don’t want to know you. You’re just a number,” he said.

“So I’ve got to find myself a job. I’m job-ready. I feel like a different person.

“I’ve been involved in drug prevention, alcoholics anonymous, anger management. This is the cleanest I’ve ever been.

“I’m drug and drink-free — my face is beaming.”

Mr Pham said he would love to help break the cycle and stigma around society and the prison system.

“No 10 or 12 step program is going to help when you’re in jail,” he said.

“I grew up in Cabramatta. I was gangstafied by 13. After a while, people get sick of your crap. They move on and everything freezes around you.”

Mr Hoang said he’d seen a real shift in Mr Pham in just the short time he’s been out of jail and connected with the church.

“It gives me hope. It’s not a roll of a dice. It is possible to change,” Mr Hoang said.

“Now we just need to find someone willing to give him a second chance.”

Mr Pham would love a job as a factory hand or in processing while he continues to work on himself.

If you think you may have a job for Mr Pham please contact Stacy Thomas on 8778 2824 or Tony Hoang via his website — Potters House Liverpool