Amir Ansari’s story is one of resilience, determination, and community support. At the age of 13, he began training as an electrician in Iran. After fleeing his home and resettling in Melbourne, he faced numerous challenges but ultimately succeeded in becoming a fully qualified tradesman. Today, he is not only running his own business but also helping other refugees pursue their apprenticeships.
Amir’s journey to Australia was fraught with difficulties. He fled his home country of Iran to Dubai and Jakarta, eventually spending two years in a refugee camp on Christmas Island. “I had to leave everything like my business, my family, everything. It was hard but I got through it, I just held onto hope life would get better,” Amir said.
Upon arriving in Melbourne at the age of 26, Amir was determined to find work as an electrician. However, his qualifications from Iran were not recognised in Australia, which meant he had to start his apprenticeship all over again. Without formal qualifications, support, or connections, the journey was daunting.
Despite the challenges, Amir’s determination to succeed remained unwavering. In 2018, he connected with Mas National, a trusted apprenticeship support network. Mas National provided the necessary guidance and support, making the process of starting an Australian Electrical Apprenticeship much easier. “Mas have been very supportive. When I called them, they immediately signed me up as an apprentice and made the process very easy,” Amir said.
For the next four years, Amir was committed to completing his apprenticeship. He commuted two hours daily from Victoria to Geelong, demonstrating his dedication and perseverance. By August 2022, he had successfully completed his apprenticeship and immediately pursued additional training to obtain licences in air-conditioning and solar battery.
Amir’s hard work paid off. He established his own business, Once Upon a Time Electric, which services properties across metropolitan Melbourne. Within seven months, he not only hired his first apprentice but also signed up his second apprentice through Mas National again. “I remembered how easy the whole process was when they signed me up and decided to use them again,” Amir said.
Amir’s mission extends beyond personal success. He is now helping other refugees with their apprenticeships, driven by his own experiences. “I’ve seen a few businesses treat their apprentices with migrant backgrounds poorly, so I wanted to help other refugees. One of my apprentices didn’t get paid for nine months, which is why I told him to do his apprenticeship through me,” he said.
Mas Business Consultant Gino Tota praised Amir’s journey, saying, “It’s wonderful to see him continue to thrive, giving back to the community. He has overcome incredible challenges, showing remarkable resilience. Amir intends to keep growing his business and support other refugees, which is a testament to his strength and determination. We are proud to support individuals like Amir on their journey to success.”
Amir is now in the process of finalising his Permanent Residency. When he is not on the job, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and young daughter. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and achieve great things.
