Rebecca’s journey from seasonal worker to dream Truck driver job

Rebecca’s determination is proof that if you put your heart and soul into it, you can achieve anything.

Rebecca suffers from chronic pain but refuses to give up. She has travelled around NSW/Vic towing a caravan as she was a seasonal worker. Her work ranged from milking cows to Farmhand/Labourer work.

During her appointments, she expressed she wanted to drive trucks for a living.

We booked her in to sit for her HR licence. Despite being nervous, Rebecca passed with flying colours.

She then travelled from Deniliquin NSW to Penong SA (1,439kms), towing her caravan behind her. She attended the Salt Mines in Penong SA to attend an interview for a position as a Truck Driver.

The interview went well, and she is now working happily as a Truck Driver.

Rebecca is grateful to Sureway, as she has said that without our backing and financial assistance, she could never have achieved her dream.

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.

Braydan secures full-time work with ARG Electrical

When Braydan commenced with Sureway in September 2020, he had no employment history, struggled with significant employment barriers and lacked the work-related skills needed to access employment in his areas of interest.

Employment Consultant Gizela was quick to arrange some training. With some encouragement and transport assistance Braydan completed his Whitecard and Traffic Control courses and his confidence was looking good.

Soon after, Brayden was successfully referred to a position at a solar farm and Gizela worked closely with the recruiters to ensure he had everything he needed to succeed. Through consistent post placement support, Gizela was able to refer Braydan to a demolition role as soon as the solar farm work wound up.

Following that placement, Braydan expressed interest in a work experience training program. Sureway assisted with transport, accommodation, clothing and licensing costs to ensure this opportunity was within Braydan’s reach.

Following the work experience program, Brayden was offered a full-time position with ARG Electrical. He is now considering buying his own car and views his employment as a career that will create many new opportunities.

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.

From job seeker to recruiter

Job seeker Sam, first started receiving income support in 1998 and during this time has experienced multiple setbacks due to significant barriers.

As a result of COVID-related cutbacks in April last year, Sam lost her cleaning position at a local motel and was devastated. Following months of job searching, Sam started to struggle but with the support and encouragement of her Employment Consultant she soon bounced back.

Sam agreed to participate in some training to broaden her employment prospects and in September 2021 secured a work trial with a local manufacturing company.

After just a couple of weeks, Sam was promoted to a supervisor of the DIY line and given a pay rise. Shortly after, her responsibilities were extended to include recruitment and uniform ordering.

Sam has now exited Employment Services and has contacted the Sureway team to help fill some employment vacancies for the manufacturer.

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.

The power of perseverance 

Cameron from Orange is an Indigenous 21-year-old client who has been with Sureway since mid-2018.

Although Cameron had progressed through the Transition to Work program before commencing with Sureway, he had no previous work experience, lacked higher education history and was disengaged. Cameron enrolled in a Targeted Pre-employment Preparation (TPEP) course to develop his skills but failed to attend. He then agreed to complete a Sureway Skills Training course but did not show up for the training again. Soon after, he withdrew from a Traffic Control course because the course was relocated to Dubbo.

Throughout this time, Cameron missed appointments, and despite being referred to numerous positions for factory labouring, car detailing, cleaning and canola chipping, Cameron remained unmotivated. 

This was until his employment consultant mentioned an apprenticeship with a local butcher – Farmgate Butchery. This grabbed Cameron’s attention. He made a great impression at the interview and was asked to commence the following day.

Since starting his apprenticeship in November, Cameron hasn’t had any unexplained absences and reports that he loves his job.

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.

Confidence looks good on you Jean

Port Pirie client, Jean, felt she had fallen behind with technology and didn’t have the skills required to apply for a job.

With the support of the Sureway Workforce Australia team, Jean enrolled in the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program in October 2020 to develop the digital IT skills and confidence needed to apply for a job. Due to the extended COVID lockdowns, Jean transitioned from face-to-face to online learning. Despite intermittent internet coverage and computer hardware issues, Jean persevered and in September 2021 completed the CTA course with newfound confidence.

Using her new IT skills, Jean created a refreshed resume and successfully applied for a position at the Stone Hut Bakery where she will shortly celebrate 6-months in employment. To add to her success, Jean is currently completing her RSA, RCG and barista qualifications to open up more employment opportunities.

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.

Lockdown success for Corey

Six months out of school, Corey commenced with Sureway Wellington in July 2021 and wanted to secure a carpentry apprenticeship. But a lack of employment history, significant employment barriers and without a driver’s licence Corey was receiving knock backs.

It was clear to his Employment Consultant Gizela that he just needed an opportunity and a foot in the door! During the first week of the COVID lockdown, Gizela received a call from a Sydney contractor looking for demolition labourers for an immediate start at Correctional Centre. Corey was one of 8 candidates that were put forward, however experiences with significant employment barriers meant he missed out. Disappointed but not willing to give up, Corey was referred to a Trades Assistant position but again he missed out. A week or two later after a candidate withdrew from the Correctional Centre, Corey was again put forward and this time he was successful. Gizela encouraged Corey to work hard, kitted him out with personal protective equipment (PPE) and gave him a lift to work for the first few days.

Following the 8-week contract at the Correctional Centre, Corey called into the Sureway office with some great news… the head contractor David Payne Constructions had offered him a position as an Apprentice Carpenter based on the great effort and hard work he displayed during his 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.

River showcases his design skills

Unemployed and in the depth of the COVID lockdown, River needed to find work. The Sureway Lakes Entrance team worked alongside River to create a personalised employment plan that addressed his employment barriers and focused on his key interests and skills.

Recognising River’s flair for interior design and experience as a florist, the team approached Darcey-Anna’s Main Beach Gallery, Giftshop and Kiosk for an employment opportunity. They proposed a paid work trial to allow River to showcase his skills. River wasted no time demonstrating his leadership qualities and customer service excellence. He also showed great initiative by rearranging and de-cluttering the gallery to improve the aesthetic appeal. Based on the success of the work trial, River secured a permanent part-time role and is now a valued member of the Gallery team.

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.

Amanda makes a welcome return to Hungry Jacks

Amanda commenced with Sureway Port Adelaide in May 2020 after taking some time away from the workforce to raise her children. Before Amanda’s break from work, she was a member of the Hungry Jacks team and was eager to return. ‘I was determined to be able to help Amanda back into employment, especially with Hungry Jacks, as I could tell how much returning would mean to her,’ said Employment Support Officer Mia.

It took just three months, a good dose of willpower and ongoing support from the Sureway team for Amanda to land her dream job with Hungry Jacks. With a wage subsidy and regular post-placement support Amanda has now been a valued employee for more than twelve months.

Since returning to work, Amanda has been awarded Star Employee of the Month and given the opportunity to complete a traineeship in retail. ‘I was hesitant at first, as this would be my third attempt at a traineeship. But with Sureway’s support I felt prepared and supported to take on the challenge,’ said Amanda.

Mia assisted Amanda throughout the course and together they overcame the challenges associated with reading, comprehension, word definitions and spelling. Amanda celebrated the successful completion of her traineeship in October 2021!

Now a role model for other clients, the Port Adelaide team look forward to welcoming Amanda to speak at their Job Club so she can share her story with other job seekers

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.

John was prepared for a great first impression

For years, Port Adelaide client, John, has battled with significant employment barriers, contributing to his lack of motivation and low energy levels. John was certain he would not find work, but his consultant Tania assured him otherwise.

At every appointment, Tania encouraged John to develop realistic goals and focused on getting him job ready. She also encouraged him to attend a Sureway Reset Day to hear from other job seekers who had overcome significant barriers to employment. After hearing job seekers tell their story John turned the corner. He was more positive, began exercising regularly, established some healthy eating habits and in time was ready to look for employment.

Not long after, John secured an interview with Gifts Galore Retail and asked Tania to help him prepare for the interview.

‘I was so happy and excited for John, but I could sense he was experiencing high anxiety,’ said Tania. ‘I spent as much time with John as I could until we both felt he was prepared. John aced the interview and was offered the Manager position at the Port Mall store. In just two weeks he was promoted to the General Manager of the store with his employer reporting that, John is who I have been looking for.’

John is now working part-time, has set himself new goals and is living the most independent life he has lived in a very long time.

‘My parent’s dream is to go to Scotland for a holiday and I plan on saving money to pay for them to go,’ said John. ‘It’s nice to have money to help them.’

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.

‘Employment has changed my life’

Reece commenced with Sureway January 2021. Aged 20, the West Wyalong youth had left school after Year 10. He had no formal work experience, no driver’s licence and no strong role models in his life to support him.

Reece was linked with Consultant Liz who put together a plan to address Reece’s existing barriers and get him on the road to employment and a better future.

They started with driving lessons via Birrang Enterprises – an Orange based organization providing employment and related services to Aboriginal people of NSW. They both agreed that being mobile and able to travel to and from work independently was a key tool for Reece to move forward.

Reece and Liz also built a brand new resume that highlighted his skills and interests. With a keen eye to pursue labouring-type roles, Reece also successfully gained his White Card to increase his employment readiness.

Throughout their regular contacts, Liz spent time mentoring and coaching Reece to build his confidence and belief in his own abilities. When she felt he was ready, Liz approached a local painting business about potential positions.

Reece aced his interview and the business employed him with the support of a Government Wage Subsidy. After just two months of work, Reece’s new employer is looking to have him undertake an Apprenticeship in Painting.

“Reece has improved immensely since starting with me 2 months ago. He shows initiative and has a keen interest in every aspect of the business.” Said the employer.

About his journey so far, Reece said:

“I never thought of working as a Painter but when my Consultant Liz spoke with me about it, I jumped at the opportunity to give it go. I thoroughly enjoy painting and am excited to be given the opportunity to further my life with a trade qualification and career. 

Employment has changed my life, and has given me a purpose and reason to get out of bed each morning. I’m excited for what my future holds.”

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.