Sixteen year old Regan Groszmann may be young in years but his determination to earn a living for himself has not gone unnoticed by BUSY At Work Employment Consultant Maroochydore, Felicia Daisy.
After completing Year 10 at Immanuel Lutheran College last year the shy but enthusiastic teenager registered with BUSY At Work in late February not knowing what he wanted to do.
“Regan came to us as a direct registration. He hadn’t previously done any courses and wasn’t aware of our services at the time.”
“As a Transition to Work provider, we are able to help young people understand what is expected in the workplace and to develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours expected by employers.”
“While Regan didn’t complete our Transition to Work program we were able to assist him by purchasing work clothing and coaching him in resume writing and interview techniques which really helped build his confidence.”
“He hadn’t been with us very long but armed with a positive attitude he was able to score himself an interview with Banjo’s Bakery Café in Maroochydore,” Ms Daisy said.
Following a successful interview Regan commenced work on 12 March as a Sales Assistant and is now extremely happy in his new job.
Regan is now working 15-20 hours per week at the bakery and performing a range of duties including counter sales, cash handling, cleaning of table and dishes as well as setting up merchandising displays.
Regan said he was grateful for the opportunity to be learning new skills as well as earning an income.
“It’s a good first job and I am learning a lot. Hopefully I can earn enough to help me buy a car in the future,” Regan said.
Banjo’s Bakery Café Store Manager, Shannon Davis said Regan had fitted in very well and was a willing learner.
“Regan is very reliable and always shows up for his shifts wearing his full uniform. He has picked up the skills very quickly and works well with the customers.”
“If Regan shows a willingness to learn the bakery trade than we would be happy to consider that as an option in the future,” Mr Davis said.
BUSY At Work Managing Director Paul Miles, said Regan’s positive attitude and willingness to learn had set a great example for other young people to follow in transitioning into the workforce.
“At BUSY we know how important it is for young jobseekers to take the first step in gaining employment.”
“With the support of the Transition to Work Program we can help young people who are early school leavers overcome challenges and set them on a career pathway for the future,” Mr Miles said.
Transition to Work is an Australian Government initiative that provides intensive, pre-employment support to improve the work readiness of young people and help them into work (including apprenticeships and traineeships) or education.
To participate in Transition to Work a young person must be aged 15-21 and an Australian citizen. Wage subsidies of up to $6,500 are paid to employers over 12 months to help with hiring and training costs for eligible young people.
For further details about the program contact BUSY At Work on 13 28 79.
