Good News Story
Thi Dao’s story
As a mature aged person with limited English skills, Thi Dao was struggling to get a job. Despite her barriers challenges, Thi Dao was keen to develop her language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills and increase her chance of finding secure work.
Dao’s schooling in Vietnam finished in Year 6, meaning she had very limited experience in a formal education environment. Due to her reduced classroom experience, Dao found it difficult to engage in any study and/or learn English. As a 54-year-old, Dao also believed her age was a barrier to employment. Despite the challenges, she was very keen to gain support to develop her language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills and increase her chances of gaining employment.
Dao began MTC Australia’s Skills for Education and Employment Program in March 2022. During the course, Dao practised taking part in daily casual conversations during face-to-face sessions as well as participating in role playing activities, such as making a doctor’s appointment, making and responding to telephone calls and interacting in the workplace. Dao gained confidence during the course, becoming brave enough to speak up and ask for clarification during conversations. She also practised speaking clearly and slowly during role play activities.
During her time at MTC, Dao’s Trainer said she responded very well to the lessons provided and listened very carefully during face-to-face sessions. At first, using a computer as a tool for her learning was a challenging task for Dao but she became more aware and confident in her use digital devices.
Thanks to the SEE Program, Dao improved her communication, writing, reading and numeracy skills. She can now write simple text messages and engage in short conversations, perform Google research independently, has improved her typing skills, can create a table on MS Word, can search for jobs using the internet, and can use the Workforce Australia app.
Dao is thankful for the support and knowledge she gained during her time in MTC’s SEE Program.
“I improved my listening and speaking skills at MTC. I can talk to people about simple things. I also improved my reading skills. Now, I enjoy using a computer. I am working now, and I am so happy because now I can use a computer at my work too.”
As a result of her newfound confidence, communication capabilities, and increased awareness of the Australian workplace environment and job-seeking process, Dao found employment in a Bakery in Kareela and is ecstatic in her new role.