Natalie’s story
Natalie Wilson came to Sureway when her youngest child turned 8.
Unsure of the direction she would take when re-entering the work force, she discussed various barriers she felt stood in her way to finding sustainable employment.
Cootamundra Recruitment Consultant Kristy Manning recalls Natalie asking ‘what type of job are you going to get me with my history?’. Kristy responded with ‘I don’t just get people jobs, I empower them to get their own.’
A light bulb moment and the start of a great relationship, Kristy recalls reminding Natalie that many employers do not care about your employment history or what you have done, but rather ‘it is what you can do now’.
Over many months, Kristy and Natalie worked together to build confidence to ensure that Natalie could put her best foot forward.
“Natalie started to come to appointments with such enthusiasm,” Consultant Kristy said, “We started to look at positions with real possibilities.”
After expressing an interest in Traffic Control, the Cootamundra team arranged for Natalie to complete the next available course where she absolutely thrived on her new skill set.
“Natalie was so motivated after gaining her Traffic Control License that she travelled to both Young and Wagga Wagga seeking work.” Kristy said.
“She really showed me that week that she wanted this, and she was working hard for it.” She said.
Soon after, Sureway Cootamundra partnered with three NBN Contractors who had recently moved into the area.
“As we worked through their staffing needs we got to Traffic Controllers.” Kristy said.
“I couldn’t wait to tell them that we had the happiest Traffic Controller on Earth ready to work!”
Although the positions did involve a lot of heavy duty digging, Consultant Kristy was sure that Natalie was up to the task, telling the employer that once they met her they would fully appreciate her personality and skills.
Natalie was successful in gaining a position with Contractor, Avaara, with the Supervisor reporting back that Natalie was definitely keeping the boys on their toes.
As part of her induction, Natalie completed further training in NBN, First Aid, and Non-Friable Asbestos Removal, which Consultant Kristy said is leaps and bounds ahead of the career path that Natalie expected to take when she first came to Sureway.
“It has been such a great journey to be on with her.” Kristy said.
“I am very proud of what she has achieved so far, and what she will achieve in the future.”
Natalie continues to work in the NBN industry today.
