Sama Fuamatu, who is about to complete Year 12 at the end of the year, is set to go straight from high school to a job as a barber in Campbelltown.
He is in that happy situation because he has completed an apprenticeship – alongside his school studies.
Sama, who migrated to Australia from Samoa with limited English four years ago, completed a Certificate III in Barbering from TAFE NSW Liverpool through a TVET course.
He will work as a barber in Campbelltown’s esteemed Royal Blends Barbershop after finishing school later this year.
“I’ve already got a year of experience as an apprentice through TAFE NSW, and now that I’m finishing Year 12, I’m looking forward to dedicating my time to refining my skills on the job”, he said.
“I didn’t know any English when my family and I moved here from Samoa, so I’ve worked hard to build not only my skills as a barber but also my conversational skills – I’ve learnt that communication is key to being a good barber and giving clients a great experience.
“It’s a very rewarding job,” he said.
The 19-year-old was also a state finalist for school based apprentice/trainee of the year in the 2023 NSW training awards.
It came after his win in Southern and South Western Sydney training awards earlier this year.
“I want to encourage kids like me who have moved to Australia from other countries to stay in school and give TVET courses a go. It’s the best way to get work experience while staying in school,” Sama said.
TAFE NSW is helping teenagers stay in school and complete Year 12 with vocational qualifications and a job in the industry through their VET courses.
Research from the NSW Department of Education shows that students who complete Year 12 are six per cent more likely to earn above minimum wage and less likely to be unemployed and not studying at the age of 24 than students who leave school early.
