SYRIAN refugee Hani Rabat landed a job in Logan City Council's People and Culture branch after graduating from an 18-week refugee training program on October 9.
Mr Rabat was among a cohort of 12 people who gained valuable skills and on the job training in conservation and land management, business administration and road construction maintenance.
The cohort were part of a Skilling Queenslanders for Work Migrant and Refugee Traineeship.
Mr Rabbat, who moved to Australia in September 2016 as a humanitarian refugee, said he was grateful for the opportunity to apply his skills in his new country.
"Although I have credentials and experience in the Human Resources field, since moving to Australia I have been focused on developing my knowledge and work experience in different business areas related to my field of expertise," he said.
"...I felt welcomed and appreciated for my contribution."
Logan City Council acting chief executive officer Silvio Trinca said it was terrific to see the program changing the lives of hard working new Australians.
"While the inaiitve provides practical training opportunities to kick-start careers across many areas, it also builds confidence among the trainees and creates a platform for friendships and networking," he said.
"Following the successful completion of their traineeships, around half of the graduates have been provided with ongoing work in some capacity here at council, while others are now in a good position to seek employment opportunities in their chosen fields."
Many of the graduates arrived in Australia with skills and experience from their home countries, but needed support to overcome language and cultural barriers.
