From Unsure to Employed: Jacob Finds His Path
When Jacob began speaking with BUSY at Work’s Employment Consultant, Travis Van Der Meer, he wasn’t sure what type of work he wanted, he just knew he needed help to secure a job. At the time, Jacob was enrolled in a Certificate II in Engineering, but he found it wasn’t quite the right fit for him so was looking for a different pathway into the workforce. Unfortunately, like many young people, Jacob was finding this difficult because he didn’t have the necessary qualifications or experience many employers were looking for.
The Transition to Work Program: A Helping Hand
Travis immediately saw an opportunity for Jacob through the government-funded Workforce Australia, Transition to Work program. The program supports young people aged 15-24 who have left school and are struggling to find a career path. This support includes a range of tools and coaching, including mentoring, work-ready training, resume building and interview skills. “The sky’s the limit for the support in the Transition to Work program,” said Travis.
To help Jacob build up his workplace skills, Travis connected him with a volunteer role at local charity, Loaves and Fishes. Loaves and Fishes provides food hampers for the Toowoomba community, as well as operating a Cost Recovery Store where those doing it tough can purchase grocery items at reduced prices.
BUSY at Work: Every Step of the Way
Travis and BUSY at Work were there every step of the way with Jacob, helping him with advice on presenting himself for job interviews, sourcing work clothes and checking in to make sure everything was flowing smoothly with his volunteering role.
After just three months with Loaves and Fishes, Jacob was offered a permanent paid job with the charity.
“Jacob is awesome!”
said Loaves and Fishes CEO, Kylie Jennings.
“He’s a great worker and I couldn’t get all the work done without him.”
Jacob is also really happy in his new role, particularly because it means he gets to give back to others. “I would love to return to engineering, but at the moment I love to just give back to the community,” he said.
For his part, Travis says he loves his job too.
“I get to change young people’s lives!”
he said. He highlighted that it was not unusual for young people to feel overwhelmed when first looking for work.
“BUSY at Work can help ease the transition into work and/or study,” said Travis.
“We’re just a friendly face there for you to visit whenever you need.”
Learn more about the Transition to Work program.
Watch Jacob’s journey into work through the Transition to Work program.
