Key takeaways:
- Renewed partnership: Pearson renewed its partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries, giving skilled refugees access to free PTE testing.
- Removing barriers: Making English tests free through the programme opens pathways to employment, stability, and new beginnings.
- Closing the gap: Shortening transition periods to employment can create economic opportunity for Australia and beyond.
From Kabul to Qantas: Two journeys to safety and opportunity
Language learning has the power to change lives. It creates opportunities and opens doors. As Mahbuba Ebrahimi and Salma Behmanush posed outside the iconic pillars of Parliament House in Canberra, they reflected on their journeys, and the small part Pearson has played in their life-changing move to Australia.
Mahbuba and Salma outside Canberra’s Parliament House, after securing roles in Australia through Talent Beyond Boundaries
“After the 2021 transition in Afghanistan, my family and I became refugees in Pakistan” explained Mahbuba. “Through the Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) program, I was matched with a Finance position at Qantas. As part of the visa requirements, I had to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) test. It was free, fast, and I received my results two hours after taking the test. Living in Australia means safety, stability, and the chance to grow personally and professionally in a country full of opportunities.”
TBB connects skilled refugees with employers around the world. Pearson supports this effort by providing free PTE tests to TBB’s candidates so they can meet visa and employment requirements without the financial barrier of paying for an English language test. Too often, refugees are locked out of opportunities simply because they can’t afford to prove their English proficiency; we help change that.
“I received a voucher for PTE, which helped me a lot”, said Salma, “the English proficiency test was an important part of the Australian government’s visa process. I truly appreciated the support, which opened a new chapter here in Sydney.”
Closing Australia’s skills gap with faster transitions to work
Stories like theirs also highlight broader economic and workforce challenges. Pearson’s Lost in Transition report for Australia estimates that the country is losing AU $104 billion annually in losses from inefficient transitions from learning to earning, job displacement, and automation disruption.
By removing the hurdle of proving English language proficiency through free tests that deliver fast results, we’re helping shorten transition times and enabling employers to fill roles more quickly, including in sectors facing skills shortages, such as health, engineering, IT, hospitality, and construction.
Assistant Minister for International Education, Citizenship and Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP, said: "The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot program has been a critical pathway for people fleeing war and persecution, and I welcome this partnership between Pearson and Talent Beyond Boundaries."
Talent Beyond Boundaries delegation meets and Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, to discuss skilled refugee employment pathways in Australia
Our renewed partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries
We are pleased to renew our partnership with TBB and continue this important work. Removing the barrier of proving English proficiency helps people access meaningful work, support their families, and contribute to the communities that welcome them.
We’re proud to help more people access safe, dignified pathways to work, and realise the life they imagine through learning.
Taha Haidermota is Pearson’s Country Head for Australia and Vice President, Legal, APAC