CPB Contractors is passionate about providing pathways that help all Australians build meaningful professional careers. In 2022, we signed our second three-year agreement with CareerSeekers, a program supporting our country’s new humanitarian entrants into professional roles.
One of the 92 CareerSeekers interns CPB Contractors has welcomed to date is Hamidullah Hussainzada, who joined the company's Diversity, Indigenous and Social Inclusion team as Stakeholder and Community Relations Coordinator in 2023.
Here, Hamid shares his story and insights on the value of career pathways like the CareerSeekers program.
Can you describe what led to you coming to settle with your family in Australia?
In August 2021, when the Afghan government (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) collapsed and the Taliban took control of the country, my family and I were forced to flee due to life-threatening dangers.
Can you describe your experience of moving to Australia?
Transitioning to a new environment and country always brings a mix of challenges and opportunities. The challenges my family and I faced included adapting to a different culture and language and building a new personal, social, and professional network. Most importantly - finding a job.
Before joining CPB Contractors through CareerSeekers, my job applications were rejected at the first stage because I didn’t have local Australian work experience or former local employers to vouch for me.
However, when compared to the opportunities now available, these challenges are insignificant. Since our arrival, we enjoy a life free from life-threatening dangers. My daughters attend school, whereas in Afghanistan, millions of girls are deprived of their educational rights.
What do you enjoy most about your role with CPB Contractors?
I enjoy challenging myself every day, developing new skills and having opportunities to learn about Australia’s work culture. I have a very supportive manager (Sharon Gray, pictured), who completely understands how to support an employee from a refugee background. During my internship, she has been a mentor rather than simply a manager.
Why is CareerSeekers valuable for the individuals involved and the companies they join?
Some refugees have years of work experience in their home country but struggle to find jobs in Australia. They might be right for the role but can’t present competitively when standard recruitment practices are used and therefore, they don’t necessarily receive a fair assessment.
Programs like CareerSeekers help remove these obstacles. Pathways leading to employment are vital for refugees to become self-reliant and build a future for themselves and their families. It works both ways - refugees are eager to work and bring their skills and experience to Australia. Surviving a refugee’s journey can indicate courage and resilience, which are beneficial traits in an employee.