Young Syrian refugee finds his future career with a paint brush

Meet the young man from Syria who’s proud to be forging his way in dream career by making the most of every opportunity

ON THE JOB: Hasan Eeso, a 20-year-old Syrian refugee who has just completed his certificate I in construction and is about to begin an apprenticeship with painter with Geoffrey Betts. PHOTO: Bev Lacey

Escaping from a war-torn country with the hopes of better providing for your family are probably problems that are a whole world away for most Australian teenagers but this is the reality for 20-year-old Syrian refugee and budding painting apprentice, Hasan Eeso.

After fleeing Syria for Turkey as a young boy, Hasan soon began working as a painter in Turkey when he was just 13-years-old before immigrating to Australia with his family on a humanitarian Visa.

Since then Hasan has pushed himself to make the most of every opportunity presented to him, learning English through Toowoomba State High School’s extensive English program, graduating high school and has recently completed his certificate I in construction through the Australian Government’s TradeStart program at the Hutchinson Builder’s training facility.

Now Hasan is about to embark on his painting and decorating apprenticeship with Geoff Betts from Betts Painting and said he couldn’t be prouder to have secured a full-time job.

“There’s been a lot of challenges to overcome, including the language barrier, I can speak six languages but when I first arrived in Toowoomba my English was not very good which is scary when you are starting at a new school,” he said.

“I’m glad to be able to start my apprenticeship with Geoff who has become a great mentor to me and I am looking forward to learning much more over the next three and a half years.”

Hasan Eeso, a 20-year-old Syrian refugee who has just completed his certificate I in construction and is about to begin an apprenticeship with painter with Geoffrey Betts. PHOTO: Bev Lacey

Mr Betts said taking Hasan on as an apprentice was a no-brainer.

“He works hard, often going on to work his second job as a cleaner after he’s finished up the day for me which is hard to find these days in apprentices,” he said.

“Unfortunately a lot of Aussie kids can barely turn up on time, let alone put in the work required to get them through their certificates and training so it’s been really rewarding to have Hasan join the team and see him grow with his English and his skills as a painter.”

Mr Betts said while there was a few language barriers to begin with, Hasan has now become quite skilled in the finetuned art form that is Aussie tradie lingo.

“There was a funny moment early on when I told Hasan it was time to break for smoko and he said ‘no thank you, I’m not a smoker’ which we all had a good laugh about,” he said.

“But now he’s up with all the slang and he’s become a big part of our team.”

Brent Fawkes from Construction Skills Queensland, who provided the funding for Hasan to undertake the certificate course, said there was currently a high demand in apprentices.

“We’re seeing more demand then ever within the skilled labour sector after the initial COVID period with everyone wanting to use the time to make improvements on their homes and offices while the rest of their life and travel plans are on hold,” Mr Fawkes said.

Hutchies Training co-ordinator Rod Pearce said the Australian Government’s TradeStart and TradeReady programs allow students to get hands-on experience and figure out which field they’re better suited to before beginning an apprenticeship, as they have to complete 160 hours of work experience to complete the course.

“Having students like Hasan come through the program is so rewarding because he’s so keen to get into the industry and find full time employment and complete his apprenticeship,” he said.

“It’s hard working young people like him that make this job so rewarding.”

Toowoomba State High School industry placement officer, Jane Horchner said TSHS currently have around 350 students partaking in the extensive English program.

“The program is run by Jenni Peters who does an incredible job with all of our students, most of whom have come here from Syria and can’t speak much English at all when they arrive in Australia,” she said.

“Seeing Hasan progress on to graduate high school and now find full time employment and an apprenticeship is everything we want as educators and will be great encouragement to our current and future students.”

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve since moving to Australia and coming to live in Toowoomba,” Hasan said.

“I hope other refugee students and young people immigrating to Australia starting out with little English skills know they can also achieve things if they are willing to work hard and put their all into it.”