Indigenous Mentor program leads to dream job

Mathew Webeck was determined to grab hold of every opportunity to pursue his dream job. 

“I always wanted to be an electrician and started an apprenticeship when I left school,” he said. 

“But after starting a family I realised I needed to find a better source of immediate income so I left to become a truck driver. 

“Since then I’ve bounced around a bit, delivering furniture and parcels across Sydney.” 

When Mathew commenced with our Picton office he discussed his dream to return to being an electrician. 

Mathew was connected to Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) who deliver an Indigenous Mentoring Program in partnerships with Global Skills. Mathew’s ancestors are from Wiradjuri land in Central NSW on and he now lives on Dharawal land in Bargo. Matthew attended three 1:1 sessions with the AES Mentor. 

“They were amazing and worked really hard to find an electrical apprenticeship for me. Being older than most apprentices, I had not found many businesses willing to take on an apprentice my age. 

“But AES opened up so many opportunities and avenues that I could not have found on my own.” 

Now employed by Nilsen, a major electrical engineering company based at Rydalmere, Mathew has enrolled to commence his apprenticeship. 

“The support from Global Skills and AES has been second to none – from work clothes and boots to following up each week or fortnight to see how I am going. The first question they ask is ‘Do you need anything?’’ 

Matthew is now well on his way to achieve his dream to become a qualified electrician. Congratulations Matthew and thanks to AES and Nilsen for the support and opportunity.