Mick's story
Originally from South Australia, Mick began his working life in the abattoirs in Port Pirie. He struggled to complete Year 12, barely able to spell his own name. When he moved to Tasmania to work for Mitchell Plastic Welding, a small family-run business, the manager noticed Mick found reading and writing challenging. The manager asked if Mick wanted to improve his skills and, at 48, Mick happily accepted the challenge.
Supported by 26Ten, Mick started classes at Geeveston Community Centre in 2022. In late 2022, Mick won Employee of the Month. He aims to improve his reading and writing skills further so that one day he can become a supervisor.
This story featured on the Adult Learners Week website – #ALW2024 Learning Ambassador Mick Curtis – Tasmania – Adult Learners Week.
More success stories:

Maree uses resourcefulness and determination to address her literacy challenges
"I’m getting there. I’m not down here anymore… but I want to get up the top. It might take me six, twelve months… but I don’t care. As long as I get to where I want to go.”

Michael wasn't keen on technology to start with
"I was hopeless with paperwork, it all gets piled at the back of my ute. But now with the iPad, I've found everything's documented, all your emails and getting information to you quite quickly ... it's pretty easy"
