The path to employment can be short, smooth and straight, or it can be a windy, gravel surface with obstacles at every turn. Whatever the course, our team are always up for the challenge to come together and support an individual’s needs with our tailored support services.
Lihua came to Jobfind Camberwell through the ParentsNext program, which assists single parents who have children under six and are on Parenting Payment. She started working with Nina D’Angelo, ParentsNext Community Engagement Coordinator, and she was highly motivated to support her family financially. She was working part-time in the Aged Care industry already, but her hours were decreased due to COVID restrictions.
Nina helps every participant by initiating the idea of what’s possible as their children grow and they gain confidence to re-enter or further engage with their chosen career. The regular meetings are a progressive conversation about the future and planning, linking in with wrap-around support services and assessing career goals that might need initial or extra study.
To assist Lihua with gaining a better command of the English language, she was recommended and enrolled in the Speak Up program facilitated by Pines Learning. The course focuses on refining high intermediate-advanced students’ speaking and listening skills and improving fluency and expression. She also engaged in studying a short 12-week course with Swinburne University to add to her current skills.
When Lihua’s youngest child turned six, Jobfind continued to support her employment goals as she moved from the ParentsNext program to jobactive. Nina worked closely with Employment Consultant Sally Abdou to ease the transition and maintain continuity of care.
Nina was inspired by the level of determination Lihua had to succeed in her employment goals and was glad Jobfind could further support her.
“Despite the roadblocks, Lihua experienced with COVID lockdown restrictions to still engage with an activity to improve her English skills and add an extra qualification course at Swinburne is amazing.”
“With our support, Lihua got the tools she needed for paid employment working with myself and then Sally. She understood the program and felt very comfortable asking for assistance for help, and we made it happen as a team across two departments.”
Sally referred Lihua to Pines Learning for additional English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses which set her up for full-time employment. She is proud of the progress Lihua has made and credits her success to her positive attitude and perseverance.
“The highlight of working with Lihua is her attitude and eagerness to learn and excel even while working. She is always willing to improve and add to whatever she is doing without limiting herself.”
Lihua is now self-employed, working in the Aged Care sector. She enjoys her job and she is pleased with the contribution she is making to her family and community.
