Peter Jacobs Employability Award 2011

Franck Laba Kohler has been selected as the winner of the Peter Jacobs Employability Award 2011.

Franck arrived here nearly four years ago as a Humanitarian Refugee, with no English. He had started welding training in Togo (as well as being a member of the National Soccer team). This training was halted by the circumstances which led to him having to leave Togo to go to Benin as a refugee.

After about a year of English classes, Franck started combining English classes with  Certificate II welding training. He completed this and continued with the welding training at Certificate III and IV level at SMB and with BEST. He completed both certificates.

Franck is now in his second month of full time employment as a welder at Maxitrans.He is casual, but has been told he will become permanent after a year. From what he has told me, his Team Leader at Maxitrans is impressed by both his work ethic and the quality of his work.

He is also training at SMB one night a week in the Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade. Franck has achieved all this while dealing with considerable trauma in his personal life (since he's been here). He is the classic quiet achiever.

Pictured from left are Ian Chivers, Program Coordinator, Department of Further Education Services, University of Ballarat, SMB Campus, Ross Keating from Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast and Franck Laba Kohler.