Work & Training’s Hadi Rezaie honoured at prestigious awards

From his earliest years, Hadi Rezaie nursed an ambition to excel in dentistry. Today, that dream is a reality, with recently winning the exclusive Lance Barnard Memorial Awards for encouragement and recognition of excellence at the Tasmanian Training Awards.

Arriving in Hobart from Isfahan, Iran with his family in 2016, Hadi stayed focused on his goal, even while adjusting to a new educational system and language, “Growing up, I was always fascinated by the dental profession and the crucial role it plays in overall health. When we first arrived, I struggled a lot with my studies, the language barrier made it even more challenging and I even thought academic success wasn’t for me,” he said

However, with determination and hard work, Hadi persevered and gradually improved his academic studies, “I wanted a career that combined my passion for healthcare with the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and dental assisting seemed like the perfect fit.”

Graduating from Guilford Young College was a significant milestone for Hadi, allowing him to start a Certificate III in Dental Assisting through Work & Training* at Oral Health Service Tasmania, “Graduating proved I could achieve my goals despite the obstacles. I learned about the traineeship through Work & Training, which offered a pathway into the dental field without the need for university credit points,” he said.

Hadi’s traineeship was strongly supported by Work & Training. Every two months, Hadi met with Work & Training Apprentice and Employment Services (AES) Manager Kylie Petryk to discuss his progress and plan the next steps, including his studies, hands-on experience and personal support. This helped Hadi gain important skills like communication, patient care and teamwork, making him confident in his dental career, “The quality of my training has been outstanding. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience has prepared me well for my role and career aspirations,” he said.

The longstanding partnership between Work & Training and Oral Health Services Tasmania, spanning over 20 years, has been instrumental in placing trainees like Hadi into practical settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for a promising career in dentistry.

Throughout his traineeship, Hadi juggled a second job, studies and personal commitments. He worked late-night shifts at a kebab shop, drove his brother to catch the school bus each morning and maintained his soccer training and games, “Despite these demanding schedules, I always gave my best effort at Oral Health because I was truly passionate about being there and wanted to excel in my role and help the team as much as possible”.

Hadi’s dedication towards his traineeship paid off when he was recognised at the Tasmanian Training Award in September after winning the exclusive Lance Barnard Memorial Award, an award specifically given for encouragement and recognition of excellence.

Kylie Petryk said the challenges Hadi faced during his training have moulded him into a resilient, proactive and dedicated individual, “His ability to manage multiple responsibilities, initiative in overcoming obstacles, and community involvement demonstrate why he won Lance Barnard Memorial Award. These experiences have equipped him to contribute effectively to the dental field and continue his personal and professional growth and I’m so excited to see where he heads in the future.”

Now a Vocational Education and Training (VET) ambassador, Hadi champions the value of vocational pathways, particularly in healthcare, “It has significantly impacted my career, opening doors to various opportunities within the dental field. I’ve become an integral part of the dental team, contributing to smooth and efficient patient care. The skills I’ve acquired have boosted my confidence and prepared me for a promising future in dentistry.”

Looking ahead, Hadi is committed to continuing his education in the dental field, aspiring to further specialisation and possibly pursuing advanced certifications or a degree in dentistry. His journey reflects the powerful role of vocational training in building successful and rewarding careers.

*Work & Training is part of the IntoWork Group.