Six months ago, Torres Strait Islander woman, Nancy Pilot would never have believed that she would hold the confidence and skills required to land a job at an award winning hotel chain and tourism hot spot.
Today, Nancy, who has always been a stay at home mum to her three children, broke the cycle of long term unemployment and achieved her goal as she began her new position at The Mossman Gorge Centre.
After Nancy and her partner made the move from their home in Cairns up to the picturesque small town of Mossman in Far North Queensland, she was referred to BUSY At Work’s jobactive office where she soon met Employment Consultant, Patricia Gallagher.
Together, Nancy and Patricia worked on recognising Nancy’s strengths, goal setting for her future, and creating a personalised plan that would best prepare Nancy for employment opportunities in her community.
Some of the services that Patricia was able to help Nancy with included creating and preparing a resume and practicing interview skills in order to improve job readiness.
At the time, having come from a long history of unemployment with no previous work experience, Nancy lacked confidence with applying for jobs. Patricia encouraged Nancy to put herself forward and apply for an advertised position at Mossman Gorge Centre, one of Australia’s largest eco-tourism centres located at the Mossman Gorge World Heritage site.
“I just didn’t believe I could possibly get through a job interview, let alone work for such a high profile hotel chain in Mossman Gorge” Nancy said.
After preparing for the interview using the skills she had learned from working with her jobactive Employment Consultant, Nancy was successful in gaining a traineeship position.
Today, Nancy starts the beginning of a new journey as she is officially signed into a Certificate III in Hospitality.
“This has changed my life – we have gone from being a ‘one wage’ family to now my partner and I both working” she said.
Because of this increased earning capacity, Nancy and her family were able to move from a two bedroom apartment to a three bedroom house, proving that her new employment pathway has already significantly impacted not only her life, but also her family’s.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, and BUSY At Work Managing Director, Paul Miles visited The Mossman Gorge Centre on Tuesday, August 7 and were able to personally congratulate Nancy on the commencement on her employment.
“I am extremely happy to be afforded the opportunity to visit The Mossman Gorge Centre with Minister Andrews today to witness first-hand the positive impact that these positions have on the community” Mr Miles said.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships teach real skills that lead to successful, meaningful careers. They provide people with an opportunity to contribute to their communities, which proves true today here in Mossman Gorge.”
“I wish Nancy all the best in her Certificate III in Hospitality and a successful, rewarding career” Mr Miles said.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Claire Nelson
PHONE: 0400 650 930
EMAIL: Claire.Nelson@busyatwork.com.au
