The Kaleidoscope Migrant Women's Job Readiness Workshop is a free workshop series designed to boost the employability skills of migrant women across Western Australia.
Susan Nkechi Anopueme is a successful graduate of the program and has recently secured a role in education - the field she loves.
In 2011, Susan left her home country of Nigeria and a career as a school teacher to start a new life in Western Australia.
When she began searching for a job she encountered a lot of negative and inaccurate information about working in Australia.
She was led to believe that as a migrant it would be very difficult to find a job, especially as she had completed her training overseas.
"I was told that my degree would not matter. I was so concerned that I retrained in community development, a field that I found interesting but challenging and very different from school teaching," she said.
"I even thought I may have change my name, as I was told it would deter employers."
Frustrated and confused, Susan began searching for a more reliable source of career information and training, which she found in Kaleidoscope's Migrant Women's Job Readiness Workshop.
"The Job Readiness Workshop opened my eyes to the truth and gave me a lot of practical information, like how to format and write a resume."
Before completing the workshop, numerous unsuccessful job applications and interviews has left Susan doubting her abilities.
"The program gave me confidence in my knowledge and skills. It helped me prepare for job interviews and not give up before I even gave myself a chance."
Today living in Aveley, Susan is working as a Technical Assistant in Home Economics at a local secondary school - the field she originally trained in and describes as her passion.
"I thought I would have leave the work I love behind, but thanks to the program I've found a job that I really enjoy."
Far beyond her days of failed interviews, Susan is now thinking how she can move forward and progress her career aspirations.
"I'm considering my options, perhaps completing a masters in education or even progressing my community development knowledge."
When asked if she would recommend the Job Readiness Workshop to other migrant women, Susan replied "One hundred per cent. I'd do the workshop again to refresh my skills if I could!"
"There a lot challenges that come with being a migrant skilled worker, but do not give up because we have so much to offer."
The Kaleidoscope Migrant Women's Job Readiness workshops are funded by Lotterywest and hosted in the City of Swan.
