Ralph's made of tough stuff

Busselton's Ralph Sohns has endured more setbacks than most, but he has never let it get the better of him.

Born in Germany, school did not suit Ralph so he left at the age of 12 to become a butcher's apprentice.

He was 14 when his family moved to Perth in 1982.

His experience as a teenager in an alien culture helped him empathise with marginalised young people and would come in handy when he became a youth worker years later.

"I got into the community service (and) youth work industry because I always wanted to be able to make a difference in young people's lives, especially those who are less fortunate," he said.

While many things changed for Ralph when he came to Australia, some things stayed the same.

He was still fascinated by motorcycles, kept his love of fishing alive and he continued training to be a butcher.

But in 1990, his right hand was severed in a workplace accident, ending his career dreams.

Never one to give up, Ralph reinvented himself as a ceramic tiler.

Then in 2002 a motorbike accident threatened to rob Ralph of the use of his legs, but typically he refused to accept the prognosis.

After 18 months of rehabilitation, he walked into the next phase of his working life as a youth worker.

Having moved to Busselton in 2010, JSW Training and Community Services recruited Ralph in 2013 to provide pastoral care to Busselton's disengaged young people.

That same year, Ralph was awarded Youth Work Student of the Year at the South West Institute of Technology.

His resilience stands him in good stead working with young people, whom he encourages to never give up no matter how challenging the obstacles might seem.

Ralph helps young people with the practicalities of adult life, such as opening a bank account and securing work experience.

"I love our training programs as it provides our clients with the opportunities to gain the qualifications needed to either enter the workforce or commence further education," he said.

He plans to continue his work with young people and enjoy everything the South West lifestyle has to offer.

"I love being close to the beach to fish, being familiar with people around town and being able to pack up and go on camping trips in bush locations that aren't too far away," he said.

"My next qualification will be a training and assessment one, this will enable me to teach at TAFE or open my own business and teach there."

LATEST NEWS

Miami Baker Plans Highway Pies

Absentee Tax A Cash Grab: McGowan

Meteor Flashes Across WA Skies

Burn Quotes Not Our Target: AMR Shire

WA Pair Split Beach Sculpture Prize

Panthers Clear To Sign Ex AFL Player Garlett

Scorched SW Sculpture in Seaside Show

Have You Got Nina's Diamond

Click here to go mobile with iNFOGO - local everywhere