During Jason’s initial appointment with Sureway’s DES team in Port Pirie (SA), he explained that his career goal was to work in a bakery.

As a steppingstone, Jason’s Disability Employment Consultant suggested gaining employment in the cleaning industry, in which he had previous experience. During this time, he could work on attaining the skills required for a position at a bakery.

Happy with the suggestion, Jason aced an interview for a part-time cleaning position at a local supermarket and was provided with the support he needed to complete the induction paperwork and feel comfortable commencing in the role. To reach his benchmark hours, Jason was also put forward for a second cleaning position at a childcare centre.

While working these two roles, Jason’s consultant pursued opportunities with local bakeries and Jason was ecstatic when an opportunity opened up for him at Bakers Delight.

Recognising the challenges of working multiple positions and with the support of his consultant, Jason decided to focus on his employment with Bakers Delight, given that this was his overall career objective.

Jason is now aspiring to become an apprentice baker at Bakers Delight, with ongoing support from his Sureway DES consultant.

Personalised support, adaptability in job placement and determination to achieve his career goals proved a powerful combination for Jason who has overcome challenges to find meaningful employment.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

When Larry commenced his Sureway journey with the Wangaratta (Vic) DES team, he was shy and apprehensive about getting employment assistance.

Although Larry had completed various IT courses, obtained his Certificate III in Information Technology through TAFE Digital and participated in some work experience, he had never been employed. Larry’s Disability Employment Consultant worked with him over several months to build trust and confidence. By doing so, Larry achieved some fantastic milestones, like being able to look his consultant in the eyes, smile and say hello unprompted.

Together they worked on interview coping strategies and job coaching which provided the reassurance Larry needed to commence his employment journey.

Within a few months, when Larry’s confidence was at an all-time high, he was introduced to Alan Collins from Australian Textile Mills.

As a local, regional employer, Australian Textile Mills are strong advocates for self- development. They value a positive attitude and an individual’s belief in their own abilities.

Alan and Larry were able to have a great discussion, leading to a meeting and a walk- through of the mill, followed by an invitation to an official interview.

Larry received some exciting news shortly after – the interview was a success. He has been working at Australian Textile Mills since July 2023. He has received great praise from his employer and continues to be a reliable and great worker.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Recently, our Southern Adelaide Disability Employment Services team held a ‘Snag a Job’ Day.

Nine local employers attended the Daw Park, South Australia site and met with 19 participants.

Employers provided insight into their businesses and discussed the criteria they use when hiring new candidates. Participants were then given the opportunity to attend group and one-on-one interviews with the employers.

One participant was invited to a second interview with a local winery and made a great impression. He gained employment at the winery where he continues to thrive.

The ‘Snag a Job’ Day provided participants with valuable knowledge on how to address specific criteria when seeking employment and gave them insight into how different businesses work.

A fantastic day was had by all who attended, and we were able to further our relationships with local employers.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Australian Idol Gets Sureway Transition to Work Participants Songwriting for Success

If you’re a young person preparing for work or study, every experience can help you on your journey – even a workshop with a nationally famous musician like Emerauld.

Originally published by Murray Bridge News

Life is a journey, and you deserve a chance to live it to the fullest no matter how far along you are.

The team at Sureway understand that – that’s why they invited a nationally famous musician to come and work with a group of young people in Murray Bridge last week.

Emilie Suter – also known by her stage name, Emerauld – shot to stardom when she featured on Australian Idol earlier this year.

On Thursday, her incredible voice filled a conference room as she guided participants in Sureway’s Transition to Work program through a songwriting workshop.

Participants took turns suggesting lyrics or talking about the things that made them feel happy.

What does that have to do with getting ready to enter the workforce, or start a new course?

Sureway gets that you’re a person with passions, hopes and dreams – not just a box to be ticked.

The more experience you gain, in any field, the more prepared you’ll be for the next chapter in your life.

The Transition to Work program is open to people between the ages of 15 and 24 who need assistance to get ready for work or education.

The program is designed to build participants’ skills, confidence and readiness for work.

Sureway Youth Consultants can:

• Help you build your pre-employment and personal skills through training, work experience and education.
• Talk to you about apprenticeships and internships.
• Connect you with local community services and job opportunities.

Sureway know that everyone is different, so they tailor the program to your needs to make sure you get the right support.

Photo and story courtesy of Peri Strathearn

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Narayan from Horsham Vic kicking goals with AFL

Horsham Disability Employment Services (DES) client Narayan, who featured in our Oct-Dec 2022 edition of Sureway Stories, recently celebrated over 9 months of employment with Australian Football League (AFL) VIC as a Support Program Officer.

Narayan is an avid AFL supporter who knows his AFL stats dating right back to the game’s early days.

A rare opportunity to turn passion into work, Narayan’s role involves supporting children’s AFL skills clinics that focus on helping disadvantaged young people be part of the football program.

Giving an update on his employment journey so far, Narayan said, ‘I was excited (to get this job) because I wanted to work with the AFL. I enjoy helping the kids and seeing them smile and enjoying footy.’

Asked how his life has changed since gaining employment, he said, ‘Being employed has helped with my confidence. I’ve been able to meet new people and I work with a bunch of good people.’

Narayan’s future goals include getting his driver’s licence so that he can travel further for his employment at other football clinic locations.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Courtney from Phillip ACT graduates Hospitality Course

Workforce Australia Phillip ACT Participant Courtney made us all proud by graduating the On the Sparks Hospitality Program this month. Sureway were invited to attend her graduation ceremony at CIT Reid ACT where we were able to hear all that Courtney had learned and achieved over the course of the program.

She has persevered and shown great resilience to complete seven units in four weeks with her Sparks Hospitality Job Trainer, in partnership with ClubsACT and Canberra Institute of Technology.

Courtney and her Employment Consultant have worked closely together since the start of 2023 to overcome her barriers and to improve her self-esteem and motivation.  A huge improvement has been seen in Courtney, who has now found the confidence to step out into the workforce.

Starting the course shy and reserved, Courtney has not only now graduated but has made heaps of new friends.

Courtney’s Employment Consultant has expressed how proud she is “I couldn’t be prouder of Courtney, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Sureway wishes Courtney all the best with her future endeavours.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Reconciliation Walk

Each year to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, the Queanbeyan NSW Council holds the Queanbeyan-Palerang Reconciliation Walk which is held on the main street of Queanbeyan NSW.

Workforce Australia (WAES) Phillip ACT Employment Consultants- Meaghan and Rachael, WAES Tuggerangong ACT Employment Consultant- Annmaree and WAES Queanbeyan NSW Employment Consultant- Carlie, participated in the walk to celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

The walk started with a Smoking Ceremony at Marj Christian Park before a walk to Sunken Gardens in Queanbeyan Park, where the Welcome to Country is delivered by Ngunnawal Elders.

Diverse speakers from the different cultures of Australians delivered the message that all attendees were able to learn from. Through their speeches, we learned about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Cultural Walk for Community with Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram

To honour National Reconciliation Week 2023, our Wagga Wagga Workforce Australia team members attended Cultural Walk for Community to work towards the goal of building respectful relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Led by local Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram from the Bidya Marra Consultancy, the Cultural Walk for Community helped to build our awareness of the significance of Wiradyuri culture in the city of Wagga Wagga NSW.

Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram shared his knowledge of the Murrumbidgee River, the Wollundry Lagoon and other significant sites around the local Wagga Wagga area.

Commencing at Riverside, Wagga Wagga Beach with a Welcome to Country, participants experienced stomping on Country and weaving with the Hands-on Weavers group, followed by a tour of the Riverside precinct and the Wollundry Lagoon.

Employer Relationship Coordinator Deb Thacker highly recommends the Cultural Walk for Community.

“There were things that I didn’t know that existed within a 1-2km walk of our culture.”

Deb explains “The day started with a Smoking Ceremony at the Wagga Wagga Beach and later, dancing that led into Ceremony. Significant landmarks and artefacts were explored. We explored the Stolen Generation Rock at the Civic Centre and a tree of significance and gathering at Wagga Wagga Beach.”

“Later participants of the Cultural Walk for Community were invited to a Yarning Circle where stories were shared, with all later participating in Wiradyuri Weaving.”

“The most impactful part of the Cultural Walk for Community was the Smoking Ceremony. We got to participate within the culture. Meanings behind the Smoking Ceremony were given with words and dancing. We were then blessed with the Stone Smoke”.

“The Cultural Walk for Community allowed participants to feel a part of the culture and I highly recommend it to all.”

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Full-time factory work and a healthier outlook for Brendan

Workforce Australia participant, Brendan was referred to Sureway Health and Wellbeing due to multiple non-vocational barriers. These barriers included excessive alcohol consumption, unstable housing, financial hardship and poor mental health.

During his first session, Brendan explained that he drank alcohol to numb his feelings of shame.

Brendan agreed to continue engaging with Sureway Health and Wellbeing for psychosocial support, while working with his Employment Consultant to progress his work goals.

Collaboratively, Sureway Health and Wellbeing and his Employment Consultant assisted Brendan by helping him to find full-time work in a local factory.

Brendan was provided with new workwear for his job and a referral to The Salvation Army, who were able to obtain housing for him.

Brendan was also put in touch with a local community centre for food and personal care items.

Through the journey, Brendan was also encouraged to see a GP, which resulted in a medication review and referral to a psychiatrist.

Soon after starting his job, Brendan was able to save enough money to buy a car, which made it easier for him to commute to and from work, and to travel around in his non-work time.

In his last session with Sureway Health and Wellbeing, he reported that it felt good to be working. He also explained that he is drinking less alcohol, is looking healthier and has more confidence in himself.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Stable housing for Dean and his dog

Phillip ACT, Workforce Australia participant Dean, 29, was referred to Sureway Health and Wellbeing, as he was homeless. He was alternating between sleeping on the streets and couch surfing. As Dean has a dog, this made it more difficult for him to access housing.

With assistance from Sureway Health and Wellbeing, Dean was able to secure social housing for himself and his dog. Sureway Health and Wellbeing also helped him to obtain furniture and appliances by contacting various charitable organisations.

Dean reports that he is finding it easier to focus on work. Since attaining stable accommodation, he has had a string of casual labouring jobs. He feels that he now has the chance to maintain ongoing employment. He no longer constantly worries about where he will be sleeping from night to night.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.