When we met Martin in March 2022, he walked through the door of our Jobfind Flemington office with a broad smile and a determination to get back on his feet. His vigour and positivity belied the turmoil his life had been thrown into just eighteen months years earlier.
Major obstacles to employment
At just 52 years of age, Martin suffered a stroke and seizure in the brain. His warehouse work came to a grinding halt as he focussed on his rehabilitation and health. Another medical episode just six months later led to further hospitalisation and treatment.
With his family based in Queensland, Martin faced the daily challenge to overcome his physical and mental challenges on his own.
Employment support for Indigenous Australians
When Jobfind Employment Consultant, Heena Nagpal, first met Martin, she soon learned about his history and aspirations for the future.
“Martin’s history of pushing through so many hurdles was one proof point that he would be a great asset to an employer. He wasn’t confident to look for work, but we helped him understand his huge potential to succeed.”
To maximise his job opportunities, Heena sought the assistance of Jobfind’s Indigenous Program Manager, Manuela Toditsch, to explore work and training options for Martin.
Jobfind offers Indigenous job seekers specialist support to access culturally appropriate pre-employment training, and Indigenous community services and providers.
“There are a range of services we can activate for Indigenous job seekers that support them and their family.”
“We can also offer recruitment and financial support to employers to hire an Indigenous employee,” says Manuela.
Martin’s determination to keep earning and contributing to his family were his main motivators.
“We quickly went to work to open as many doors for him as possible,” says Manuela.
A pre-employment package of support
To improve Martin’s job prospects, Heena and Manuela investigated several pre-employment options for Martin.
Within his first month as a Jobfind client, Martin was enrolled in a Certificate III in Business with Strive Recruitment in Footscray. Jobfind also referred him to Goal Indigenous Services to explore current job opportunities.
Heena’s face-to-face meetings and often daily contact supported Martin throughout his busy pre-employment period. Even a period of illness was not enough to stop his progress towards employment.
Two jobs in two months
By the beginning of May, just two months after starting with Jobfind, Martin had two job offers. He chose a position as a storeman in line with his experience and training.
It was a great choice, because after only four weeks on the job, he was offered another job with the same company – this time as a forklift driver.
Continued support to maintain employment
Heena remains in regular contact with Martin as he settles into his new routine and role. Jobfind also accesses the government’s Employment Fund to support Martin to get to and from work.
“Martin tells me he is happy again and is focussed on saving money to do good things for his family,” says Heena.
Well done, Martin – keep going from strength to strength!
Martin (left) with his Jobfind Employment Consultant, Heena Nagpal
About Jobfind’s Workforce Australia Service
Jobfind offers the Workforce Australia Provider Service in locations in Inner Metropolitan Melbourne, North Western Melbourne, Barwon and Gippsland regions.
Job seekers meet face-to-face with an experienced employment consultant who tailors a package of support to help clients develop the skills to become job-ready and to find and keep a meaningful job.
To enquire if Jobfind can help you apply for jobs and find work, please contact us on info@jobfind.com.au or call 1800 113 233.
