How to improve your English and get a job in Australia | Yousif Butrus - 2024 Hume Young Leaders Awards

Starting a new life in Australia can be exciting, but it often comes with challenges, especially for non-English speakers. Learning English is essential for building confidence, gaining employment, and fully participating in Australian society. Yousif Butrus’s journey shows how dedication to learning English can open doors to both personal and professional success.

1. Start with the right course

Yousif’s success began with the Certificate III in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) course at Kangan Institute. This course helped him develop core skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening—essential for navigating daily life and pursuing career goals. Kangan Institute’s partnership with Arabic Welfare provided additional support, including lessons on Australian workplace culture, goal setting, and volunteering.

For those beginning their English learning journey, the Certificate I in EAL (English as an Additional Language) course is a great starting point. It helps students from non-English speaking backgrounds build foundational language skills, preparing them for higher-level EAL courses. This course is also part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), designed to help new migrants learn basic English for social and economic participation in Australian life.

Tip: Attend Open Days or information sessions to meet teachers, staff, and find out more about the course you are interested.

2. Engage in volunteering and community activities

Yousif’s active engagement in volunteering was key to his progress. Through his work with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal Children’s Hospital, he gained confidence in speaking English, built strong connections, and contributed meaningfully to his community. Volunteering also enabled him to improve his communication skills in real-world settings, giving him a sense of purpose.

In addition to formal volunteering, Yousif took on leadership roles in his CSWE class, assisting his peers by interpreting and offering support. This involvement earned him the 2024 Emerging Young Leaders Award in Hume. His story shows how volunteering and community engagement can enhance your language skills and open doors to further opportunities.

Tip: Volunteering is an excellent way to practice English, build connections, and improve job prospects.