Meet Samineh, Skills for Education and Employment Centre Manager at MTC FutureReady Parramatta. Her journey in adult education began in Iran in 2008 as a TESOL teacher, where she discovered the powerful impact education can have on transforming lives. What started as a passion for teaching English grew into a career dedicated to helping adult learners and trainers develop new skills, and create brighter futures. Outside of work, Samineh enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures as well as art workshops, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Can you tell us about your MTC journey? 

In early 2022, I joined MTC as a SEE Trainer at our Fairfield site. From there, I progressed into a Senior Trainer role supporting our Gosford and Hornsby centres. In 2024, I stepped into my first leadership position as Centre Manager, overseeing both sites, before expanding my portfolio to include Lake Haven in early 2025.

After an incredibly rewarding year managing those centres under the direct management of the late David Lam, I transferred to Parramatta, where I have had the pleasure of working with Caroline alongside our amazing team since mid-2025. Looking back, every stage of my journey, from teaching in the classroom to leading multiple sites, has deepened my appreciation for the life-changing impact we have on our students and communities every day.

As Centre Manager of the MTC Parramatta site, what aspect of the role do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing people from different cultures and backgrounds come together to learn new skills, build confidence, and create better futures for themselves and their families.

Many of our students arrive with big dreams and aspirations for their new life in Australia. Knowing that our team can play even a small part in helping them achieve those goals is what motivates me every day. Watching students grow, overcome challenges, and take positive steps towards employment and independence is incredibly fulfilling.

What does a successful day look like for you?

A successful day is any day that brings a positive outcome for our students or our team. It might be hearing that a student has secured a job after months of hard work and determination or receiving positive feedback about one of our trainers. Those moments are especially meaningful because I know how much effort our trainers put into supporting their students. Seeing their dedication recognised and celebrated reminds me of the difference they make every day and gives me the opportunity to shine a light on their great work.

What are some of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced while working here?

Some of the most meaningful moments I have experienced at MTC have been the moments when people come together to recognise, appreciate, and honour one another.

When I first joined MTC at Fairfield, there was a memorial gathering for a trainer who had passed away the previous year. It was incredibly moving to witness the genuine affection and respect people had for their colleague. The stories, memories, and emotions shared that day left a lasting impression on me.

I experienced something similar when my direct manager, David, passed away. MTC held a beautiful memorial to honour his life, contribution, and the positive impact he had on so many people. Those experiences reminded me that beyond the work we do, MTC is a community built on care, respect, and human connection. I believe moments of recognition and appreciation are the moments that stay with us for a lifetime.

How do you support your team through challenges and change?

I try to lead with understanding, empathy, and open communication.

When challenges arise, I share my own experiences and encourage positive conversations that help people see opportunities within difficult situations. I believe everyone affected by a challenge should have a voice, so I involve my team in brainstorming solutions and making decisions wherever possible.

When it comes to change, I focus on explaining the reasons behind it and creating a safe space for people to ask questions and share ideas. Together, we can identify practical ways to make the transition as smooth as possible.

If you could describe the Parramatta centre in three words, what would they be and why?

Vibrant, delighted, and energetic.

Parramatta centre is vibrant because it is a dynamic and diverse environment where students and staff bring different perspectives, cultures, and experiences together every day. It is delighted because there is a strong sense of positivity and achievement, with students celebrating their progress and staff taking pride in supporting their success. It is energetic because the centre is always active, with engaging classes, collaborative activities, and a shared enthusiasm for learning and personal growth.

What motivates you outside of work?

My greatest motivation comes from spending time with my family and friends and continuing to learn and grow as a person.

I have always had a curious mindset and enjoy discovering new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Creativity is also an important part of my life. Art has always been a way for me to relax and recharge. Over the years, I have enjoyed pottery and oil painting, and these days I find watercolour painting especially calming. It allows me to slow down, be present, and express myself in a different way.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Without hesitation, I would travel to Iran to spend time with my parents.

Living far from family means that opportunities to be together are precious, particularly given the current circumstances in the region. I believe our time with loved ones is limited, and I cherish every opportunity to create memories with them. No matter where life takes us, family remains one of the most important parts of who we are.

What would you say to your 21-year-old self?

I would say: “Samineh, be yourself and trust your instincts.”

No one knows your story better than you. Follow your passion, trust the path you’re on, and face life’s challenges with an open heart. Some experiences will bring joy, others will bring lessons, but all of them will help shape the person you are meant to become. If I could leave my younger self with one piece of wisdom, it would be this: live authentically, because the greatest achievement in life is not becoming someone else, but becoming the best version of yourself.