It’s been a whirlwind three months for Sous Chef Quentin Roper since he first connected with BUSY At Work jobactive Job Placement Officer Noosaville, Kimberley Goodwin.
During that time Quentin’s passion for work has grown in leaps and bounds to the point where he now has a secure full time job and is confident in his future.
Kimberley said Quentin had shown great determination and resilience after being many years out of work.
“Being a single parent and unemployed for four years, Quentin has had to overcome many obstacles in his life. Despite all this he has been able to ‘get back on the horse’ and secure employment with the well respected Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café in Coolum.”
“Quentin is now enjoying the experiences that come from being a Sous Chef and has a new slogan, Keen as a Chilli Bean.”
“As the old saying goes, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again’ and Quentin is a perfect example of this motto having overcome his personal barriers one at a time with the support of BUSY At Work,” Ms Goodwin said.
Now working 40-50 hours per week Quentin said he was thoroughly enjoying being back in the workforce and thankful for the continuous support he had received from the staff at BUSY At Work.
“Having worked previously as a Head Chef for nine years it feels great to be back in the kitchen. Food is my passion and it’s where I feel most comfortable.”
“The staff at BUSY have been brilliant, supporting me through the interview, initially helping out with fuel vouchers and just getting me motivated to be able to work again.”
“BUSY truly go the extra mile for their clients and I can’t thank enough for the support I’ve received,” Mr Roper said.
As for the future Quentin said he would like to own his own café one day but in the meantime it was all about staying positive and enjoying each and every day.
Hot Chilli Bean Café owners Brendan and Silvija Barry said they were always keen to have Quentin on board.
“We are highly understanding of Quentin’s circumstances and really delighted that he is performing very well in the job. Quentin has proved to be a good chef and has a great understanding of the hospitality industry.”
“It’s great to see him take this opportunity with both hands,” Ms Barry said.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to see Quentin once again achieving success in his hospitality career.
“We congratulate Quentin in being able to overcome setbacks in his career.”
“At BUSY At Work we believe that every person is employable and by matching the right candidate to the right employer, we can see the positive impact employment plays in changing the life of each individual,” Mr Miles said.
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Image Caption: Quentin is feeling positive about working back in the kitchen at the Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café in Coolum.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
