Epping’s Sepehr Maddox has credited an employment program run by Melbourne City Football Club and employment provider MatchWorks with helping him edge closer to his dream of being a fashion photographer.
Mr Maddox was one of 14 people to complete the City Start program that helps migrants access support services while also taking part in employability training and a weekly football training session.
He came to Australia with his parents and sister four years ago to escape religious and political persecution in Iran. He recently left the family home in Perth to move to Melbourne in the hope of studying photography.
He said the City Start program helped him develop resume writing skills, interview techniques and networking ability, while also giving him the confidence to pursue his dream.
“For me, the most important part was the actual classes,” he said. “It was really helpful to understand how to do interviews and how to introduce yourself to employers,” Mr Maddox said.
“I’ve started a security course and there’ll be opportunities for interviews and work after that, but my goal since I left my country was to become a professional photographer in fashion. I am hoping to go to uni next year to study photography.”
Community links
MatchWorks acting executive director Mark McCoy said a key aspect of the program was linking participants with community services to help them break down cultural barriers and integrate with the community.
“The guys heard from employers and government agencies, and they visited community organisations to get a feel for the services available that will make their lives easier – and we know that was really valuable for this group,” he said.
