Canberra’s Only Profoundly Deaf Teenager Finds Comfort in the Heat of the Kitchen

Introduction

Billy Garcia, a fifteen-year-old migrant from Venezuela, has shown remarkable resilience. After arriving in Australia just a year ago, he faced numerous challenges, including learning English and adapting to a new school environment. Moreover, as the only profoundly deaf teenager in Canberra, Billy had to navigate significant barriers. Fortunately, with the support of Mas National as his Apprentice Connect Provider, Billy successfully embarked on a School-based apprenticeship in Certificate III Cookery.

The Challenge

Billy’s journey was not without its obstacles. As a profoundly deaf individual, he relied on sign language and an interpreter at school. However, the lack of peers with similar hearing impairments made his experience in Canberra initially isolating. His father, Daniel, noted that Billy was confident and had plenty to say, but often lacked someone to share his thoughts with. Consequently, Billy needed an opportunity to connect with others and develop his skills.

The Solution

To address this need, Mas National, as Billy’s Apprentice Connect Provider, connected him with a valuable opportunity. With support from Jeff Pollard, an apprenticeship consultant at Mas National, and Glenn Maybury from HTN, the Host Employer, Billy gained hands-on experience in the kitchen at Australian National University’s Ursula Hall. Notably, the presence of a deaf chef at Ursula Hall created a supportive environment that made Billy feel comfortable. After impressing the team during his two-week work experience, Billy was offered a school-based apprenticeship in Certificate III Cookery through Mas National. As a result, he could balance school, work, and study effectively.

The Results

The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. Billy now attends school three days a week, works one day in the kitchen, and studies at the Canberra Institute of Technology one day a week. Furthermore, working with a deaf chef has boosted his confidence and encouraged him to learn new cooking skills. Daniel observed that Billy is now keen to learn and is even teaching his father new skills. In addition, Billy’s experience has been positive due to the patience and genuine interest shown by his colleagues and mentors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Billy’s story highlights the importance of resilience and supportive mentorship. Through Mas National’s Apprenticeship Program, Billy has made significant progress. As his Apprentice Connect Provider, Mas National will continue to provide personalised mentoring through their Mas Achieve program. With his talents extending beyond cooking to art and sports, and his determination to learn English and Auslan, Billy is poised for continued success. Ultimately, Mas National remains committed to guiding him every step of the way.

Photo by Claire Sams – Region Canberra.