Centrelink referred Ed into Community Solutions Workforce Australia program. Ed found it challenging to find a job especially with a lack of access to transport. So Workforce Solutions Consultant Katie and the team at Gladstone supported Ed with setting up a job plan.
Read about the steps Ed took to get back to work.
Through the Workforce Australia program here at Community Solutions, job seekers can access a range of training, upskilling and practical supports to help them with landing their next job.
The team supported Ed to pursue learning that would increase his skills and help open job opportunities. As a result, Ed completed a Cert 3 in Transport and Logistics as well as Cert 2 and Cert 3 in Rail Infrastructure.
“They really helped me with the courses. I learned some great skills and it looks really good on my resume as well.” Said Ed.
After receiving his new qualifications, Katie worked closely with Ed to help him create a resume that showed employers his dedication to his tasks and eagerness to work.
Additionally, Ed worked on how to present himself and prepare for an interview as part of the program.
All these elements boosted Ed’s confidence and chances of finding a job sooner.
No matter what challenges you may be facing, whether it’s health, transport or lifestyle, there’s always support available. Employment providers are here to help you overcome barriers and match you with the right employer.
As such, by staying connected with local businesses and employers, Katie was able to put Ed forward for a job that came up near his home.
“David from Harbour Sails Motor Inn contacted me as he had an all-rounder position available. So, I put Ed forward for the position and he got it.” Said Katie.
In his role, Ed can put his many skills to use.
“I’m an all-rounder, you know. I maintain all the gardens and everything. Do all the hedge trimming and I strip the rooms out in the morning. I’m also the handyman and maintenance guy, I fix little things in the rooms that need to be fixed.” Said Ed.
Ed quickly learned his day-to-day tasks and became a valued member of their team explained David, Manager at Harbour Sails Motor Inn.
“Ed’s strengths are his attention to detail, his love, understanding and ownership of the jobs he’s given. He’s always on the lookout for something to do when he’s here.” Said David. “He takes ownership and pride in the place and I can’t ask for more than that.”
Not being able to access a licence or car isn’t a deal-breaker when it comes to securing your next job. Ed just needed to work around this barrier to reach his employment goals.
“Not having a licence is the hardest thing when it comes to finding work,” said Ed. “I don’t let things like that stop me. I’m not going to let it get in the way. There’s always a way around things like that.”
Knowing Ed’s lack of transport, Katie worked with Ed to find alternate ways to access work. For example, finding a job that’s within walking distance from his home.
As such, by reducing the distance between Ed’s home and place of work it increased the chance of building long-term employment – making it a success for both the job seeker and employer.
One of the biggest takeaways Ed wanted to share with others who are looking for work is that it can take time but the right job will present itself.
“A lot of people will say ‘oh that’s it, I don’t have a licence, I won’t get a job’, no that’s not the case at all. There are jobs out there, you just have to adapt to them. I kept looking for work and then I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.” Said Ed.
Now with a job that’s close his home, Ed says he looks forward to his morning walks.
“The first thing I look forward to in my day is the early morning walk across the field to work. I walk past the Galahs as the sun is rising and it’s beautiful,” says Ed.
“Never give up, just keep poking away, trucking along and one will come up. Even if you haven’t got transport or anything, just get a pushbike and ride around if you have to.”
“Now I have a job, everything else is falling into place in my life as well. One after the other.” Said Ed.
“Ed let us know that he feels so supported by us here at Community Solutions and by David and that makes our hearts happy. As a result, he said the difference to his life since commencing work has been life-changing.” Said Katie.
Do you need support with getting back to work through your Workforce Australia program? Speak to one of our team today to find out how they can support you.
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