Twelve months ago quietly spoken Mia Edwards had an uncertain future. Lacking in confidence, Mia had been unable to secure regular work since leaving high school.
After attending a session at Esher House with BUSY At Work Employment Consultant, Jason Cochrane, Mia was offered the opportunity to apply for a job at Mooloolaba Ice Cream parlour, Gelatissimo.
Despite being unsuccessful at the interview Jason said Mia had showed plenty of enthusiasm which had impressed Gelatissimo owner Kathy Blake.
“I discussed with Kathy how Mia had overcome barriers during the past year and how she was really focussed on getting work.”
“We then discussed the possibility of Mia doing The PaTH Internship Program which is an Australian Government initiative that allows eligible job seekers to take part in the opportunity of an internship.”
“The next day Kathy called me and said she would like to offer Mia an internship with a new role she had created at the ice cream parlour,” Mr Cochrane said.
Starting work at 7am, Mia is able to prepare the store for opening as well as ensuring all ice creams are sculptured and deliciously displayed.
Mia was supervised for the first few days but quickly gained the confidence of the store manager and was given her own keys to open the store and get things ready.
Now five weeks into her new role, Mia is relishing the opportunity to learn new skills and build her confidence.
Mia has now been employed on a permanent part time basis working twenty hours per week with the prospect of increased hours in the near future.
As well as opening the shop, Mia is now also doing the banking and learning how to take orders and serve customers.
Mia said she was grateful for the opportunity to take part in the internship and work with the crew at Gelatissimo.
“I had been looking for work for two years and this has really helped build my confidence.”
“I am enjoying learning new skills and having money to buy new things. I have recently bought myself a games console and would like to buy my own home one day,” Mia said.
Gelatissimo Mooloolaba Store Manager, Nathan Denaro said Mia had performed very well in the initial weeks of her internship.
“Mia is always very polite and on time. She is very task oriented and once she learns what to do she always gets it done. She is now learning customer service skills and really starting to build confidence on the job,” Nathan said.
BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles, said it was pleasing to see local employers going the extra mile to give unemployed youth a chance.
“Through the PaTH Internship Program employers have the opportunity to see how a young person fits into their team and is suitable for employment within their business.”
“It’s also a great way for young people to learn the communication and teamwork skills necessary to make the transition into fulltime employment,” Mr Miles said.
To participate in the PaTH Internship Program participants must be aged 17-24 and have received Employment Services for six months or more.
Instead of receiving a wage from an employer, the government provides interns with an additional $200 a fortnight on top of their income support payment. Employers receive a $1,000 payment to help cover the costs of hosting the intern during the four to 12 week period.
For further details about the program please contact BUSY At Work on 13 28 79.
End
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 | leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
