In 2021, the Australian military conducted one of the largest airlift operations in history; evacuating more than four thousand people before the Taliban regime took over Afghanistan.
21-year-old Ahmad Fawad and his sister were two of the lucky ones to escape.
They eventually settled down in Adelaide and Ahmad vowed to learn a trade and help his remaining family members who faced an uncertain fate.
“They were also forced to leave Afghanistan because their lives were in danger. After my father’s real estate business went bankrupt, there was no hope left for them to make a living. Schools and universities for girls had been closed, cutting off any chance of education and a future. Life in Afghanistan had become unbearable, filled with fear and uncertainty. On top of this, the Taliban directly threatened their safety, leaving them with no option but to flee their home and everything familiar, in search of safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild their lives. They left everything behind, crossing into Pakistan with only the clothes on their backs, forced to live in fear and uncertainty without legal status.”
Back in Adelaide, Ahmad took on a bricklaying apprenticeship, but he struggled to stay the course and sought help from Master Builders SA mentor Nelson Manonella.
“We had some really honest and insightful conversations and offered our ongoing support to help him realise his career and family goals,” Nelson Manonella said.
“So I made the decision to switch trades and become a plumber through Master Builder’s Group Training Organisation.
“Straight away, I felt supported, and the work was easier on the body, plus it pays good money which is important for me to assist my family,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad’s field officer at MBA, Gavin Watson, helped him find a great fit with Host Employer Jordan Plumbing and within a few short months, his hard work, attention to safety and talents were quickly recognised.
“He was working on a massive project – the Modbury Health Precinct and the head builder Built Environs presented him with Safety Award of the Month due to his great attitude and strict adherence to safety and PPE.
“His supervisor said to me ‘I would have Ahmad on any site at any time, he’s one of the best 1st yr apprentices I’ve ever worked with,” Gavin said.
Gavin and the team also decided to award Ahmad with Master Builders SA Apprentice of the Month.
“For a first-year plumber, it’s an outstanding achievement, and we wish him every success in his career and life,” Gavin said.
