With guidance from his Workforce Australia-Transition to Work Youth Mentor and advocacy with a local employer, Johnathan went from unemployed to working full-time, purchasing a car and loving his independence.
At 24 years of age, Johnathan was still finding his feet. He’d tried work as a kitchen hand and storeperson but hadn’t yet landed a role he felt was right for him.
Johnathan commenced with Jobfind’s Transition to Work service for young job seekers in Cairns when it opened in July 2022. His transition to his new provider was made easier by already having a great rapport with Youth Mentor, Wendy Sike, who had known Johnathan previously.
Together, Wendy and Johnathan began to map Johnathan’s pathway to a meaningful career.
Building the foundations for work
Early on, Wendy and Johnathan prioritised three major goals to help him achieve work success:
- Complete a Certificate III in Rural Operations which he had already started
- Attain a Driver’s Licence
- Improve Johnathan’s visibility with local employers
Wendy helped Johnathan apply for learner logbook exemptions which fast-tracked him achieving his driver’s licence. Having a driver’s licence immediately opened up new job opportunities for Johnathan.
Then Noel Tobias, Jobfind’s Employer Engagement Officer, started exploring job opportunities and industries with Johnathan.
“Once I understood his interests and capabilities, I put him forward for jobs with my local employer network.”
Young participants in the Transition to Work program benefit from intensive support to find and apply for jobs, says Wendy. The most popular activities in the program include:
- Learning how to use online job search tools
- Writing a resume and cover letter
- Personal presentation and interview skills
Often, program participants have not had positive work experiences or work role models.
“The one-on-one mentorship we provide fills a gap in their preparation for work,” says Wendy.
Advocacy with employers
Noel describes his role of marketing his job seekers to employer as “24/7.”
He has a large network of local employer relationships which he builds daily. “I’ll be having dinner in a restaurant and will ask the manager if they have any opportunities for our program participants,” says Noel.
When Johnathan was licenced and ready to work, Noel personally recommended him to a couple of employer contacts. The result was a full-time gardening and maintenance role with 1300 4 Gardening, just two months after starting the Transition to Work program.
Shelley Farmer from 1300 4 Gardening believes in supporting her employees to grow with the landscaping and maintenance business.
“As a company, we believe employing a diverse range of people benefits our company and our community as well. We enter every new employee relationship with an open mind and allow each person a chance to show how they can be a great fit with the rest of our amazing team.”
As a business owner, Shelley understands that transitioning to a new job can be challenging for her new starters. But achieving the goal of successful long-term employment can be made easier with the ongoing support of their employment services provider.
“Jobfind works with us to help ensure expectations are met and processes are followed. The goal is for a successful long-term relationship.”
Employees with a great attitude and work ethic can easily move forward in the company, says Shelley.
Financial support to hire
As a Workforce Australia-Transition to Work employment services provider, Noel can also offer eligible employers a Youth Bonus wage subsidy from the Federal Government. Eligible jobs for youth can attract up to $10,000* in wage support.
Plus, Jobfind can access the federal government’s Employment Fund to support job seekers with work gear, attaining work licences and practical support like transport assistance.
Support during setbacks
In a stroke of bad luck, Johnathan incurred an injury outside of work, resulting in an extended period of recovery. Wendy and Noel remained on hand to support his return to work and maintain his motivation and confidence.
After starting back on the job in December 2022, Johnathan has recently celebrated 5 weeks of full-time work.
He’s bought himself a car and is loving having more money to spend on hobbies like fishing.
“I love working,” says Johnathan, who encourages his unemployed mates to seek help to find work.
“I tell them if you show up and be reliable, people will help you.”
*eligibility criteria apply
Learn about Transition to Work
To enquire or read more about our specialised employment and education support for young people, click here.
