Workways Australia

Anna is usually hard at work matching people with their perfect jobs at our Stones Corner office. She took a few minutes out of her busy day as an Employment Coach to tell us what makes her tick.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
Anna: I like that it is challenging and there are no 2 days that are the same! We are giving back to the community and helping people. Seeing a participant grow and turn a corner with their barriers is so rewarding.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
Anna: I read a lot, I like to journal, sometimes draw. I am learning to find my balance in work/life and always trying to find novel ways to destress and have fun. My next hobby I want to get into is stand-up comedy and/or boxing.

Q: How have you recently helped someone looking for work?
Anna: I have been helping my mature aged participants with their digital literacy skills so that they are empowered to confidently do their own job searching. As it is mostly online these days, I believe it can a big barrier for our participants over 55.

Q: How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Anna: Entertaining, funny, and kind.

Q: What's your top tip or advice for someone looking for work?
Anna: Quality over quantity! Make sure your resume and cover letter for each application is tailored to the selection criteria of the job you are applying for. This can take time, so this is why I emphasize quality over quantity! No point doing 24 job applications per month if none of them pass the applicant tracking systems.

We understand that finding work can mean overcoming barriers, facing challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone. Unlike many other employment providers, we are not-for-profit, meaning our focus is 100% on you, the job seeker, and how we can support our communities every step of the way.

The Workways employment experience is anchored by an individualised approach that identifies customers’ barriers and connects them with services to overcome those barriers.

Shaun’s Workways experience powerfully demonstrates the importance of addressing barriers on the path to employment success. After losing his job, Shaun began to experience significant depression, impacting his confidence and self-esteem. Unfamiliar with job providers, lacking skills in resume writing, and battling poor mental health proved to be significant hurdles in his search for a job. Shaun’s Workways employment coach identified a number of support services and programs that would help him overcome these barriers, and prepare him for suitable and meaningful work. Shaun was initially skeptical, but support from his employment coach and family gave him the confidence to get the help he needed.

Find out how embracing support services and programs put Shaun on the path to a job that he is passionate about: https://www.workways.com.au/article/customer-success-shaun/

We had an incredible time creating our collaborative artwork "Community" during NAIDOC week. Thank you to everyone who made a contribution. You can check out the finished artwork at our Moe office.

Big thanks to those in the Traralgon community who turned out for the Workways Transition to Work Youth BBQ. We had a fun morning of food and games, while getting young people connected with employers, training, and services.
If you're a young person looking for work in the Latrobe region, give us a call to see how we can support you to jump start your career.

Brisbane Job Seekers! Don't miss this chance to connect with some of the best employers in our region who are eager to hire motivated individuals like you.

Whether you're looking for your first job, considering a career change, or aiming to re-enter the workforce, JobsNow! – Greater Brisbane is the place to be:

📅 Tuesday 30 July 2024
⏲️ 10.00am to 1.00pm
🏢 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
📌 Plaza Terrace Room, Grey Street, South Brisbane
🆓 This event is free of charge for both exhibitors and job seekers.

Brett began experiencing hearing loss as a teen and now uses lip reading and a hearing aid to communicate. After 3.5 years as a trolley collector at Coles, Brett engaged with Workways in search of a career change, with his primary motivation being a more consistent work schedule, particularly free weekends to spend with his wife.

On reviewing Brett’s resume, it was evident he was both skilled, while possessing a strong work ethic. Workways introduced Brett to Tourism Taster, an organisation that provides crucial support for small to medium-sized employers in the tourism industry, educating businesses on the advantages of hiring individuals living with disabilities.

Brett was quickly connected with a potential opportunity as a Venue Presentation Attendant at the Cairns Convention Centre. After a mock interview with his Workways employment coach, Brett was ready for the real deal. The practice paid off. After expertly presenting his capabilities for the position, he was offered the job on the spot.

Employers who embrace candidates with disabilities gain the advantage of recruiting employees, such as Brett, who possess diverse and valuable capabilities and experiences.



{Image description: Brett looks at the camera with a pleased but reserved smile, while wearing a blue and white patterned button up shirt. The background is the disability pride flag with dark grey background and 5 coloured diagonal stripes. Text in the top right corner reads: Disability pride month, Brett’s story.}

It took a manic episode, meeting people that he could trust and self-belief to see Fernando turn his life around and create a business that he's proud of.

“At the time I first walked into Workways, I was in a kind of a desperate place … I was more stressed than ever, and the pressures of everything got to me. I had a manic episode which lasted about 3 months … it was very reckless and very dangerous.”

Intervention from a caring neighbour and daughter resulted in Fernando’s admission to hospital to receive the medical care he needed. Fernando lives with Bipolar, ADHD and ODD and had many reservations about engaging with an employment services provider like Workways. Our team worked incredibly hard to support Fernando in developing the skills and knowledge he required to establish and grow his own business.

“Workways was a small office with just a couple of girls and they were very welcoming and very patient with me, and they helped me in so many ways.”

Today, Fernando runs a successful handyman business that we hope will only keep growing. No matter what challenges our customers experience, we believe everyone deserves the chance to find empowerment and self-determination through employment - and we will be right there beside them, making that happen.
Watch Fernando’s story in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uci_qloJoO8



{Image description: Fernando is wearing a yellow workshirt and a look of determination. The background is the disability pride flag with dark grey background and 5 coloured diagonal stripes. Text in the top right corner reads: Disability pride month, Fernando’s story.}

There is positive change in employment stats for people with disability!
The labour force participation rate has increased, and the unemployment rate has decreased. There is still more to be done and sustained attention and investment is vital for this to take place, but the news is still good.

Disability Employment Australia

Taryn commenced with Workways programs in April 2024, determined to upskill and find better employment opportunities. Living with cerebral palsy and experiencing depression and anxiety had presented some challenges to maintaining consistent employment, but Taryn was determined.

Taryn, with the support of Employment coach Karen, completed a training course and explored her employment options. Despite some early disappointments, Taryn was not discouraged. She persevered, applying for jobs, attending trials, and ultimately securing 2 jobs on her own initiative.

Taryn is loving her new roles and is a shining example of how perseverance and a positive attitude can lead to success.
Happy disability pride month!



{Image description: Taryn is tall with dark wavy hair in a ponytail. She is wearing a yellow hoodie and grinning happily, with her arm around the shoulder of Workways employment coach, Karen. The background is the disability pride flag with dark grey background and 5 coloured diagonal stripes. Text in the top right corner reads: Disability pride month, Taryn’s story.}

Our team at Stones Corner is fully caffeinated thanks to some talented Workforce Australia participants who are on-site today, honing their barista skills.

This week, we've partnered with genU to deliver the C.A.F.E. microcredential which covers units in:
- Hygiene practices for food safety
- Process financial transactions
- Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages
- Prepare and serve espresso coffee

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone incredibly proud of the valuable skills and knowledge they have gained in just a few days. There could be some future master baristas in the group - Site Manager, Todd, has declared it's some of the best coffee he has ever tasted!

We'll be delivering a range of microcredentials across our Brisbane South and Gippsland sites in the coming months. Talk to your Workways employment coach about what's available in your area.

July is Disability Pride Month!

This month is all about recognising and celebrating the history, experience, challenges and achievements of people living with disability - including the 4 million Australians living with disability.

This year’s theme is “We want a life like yours”. The theme reflects the challenges faced by people with disability, in simply trying to live full, empowered, and self-determined lives. We’re passionate about ensuring that people living with disability have equal access to employment, education, and support services. Over the next week we’ll be shining the spotlight on some of our customers who have found empowerment and self-determination through employment.



{Image description: The disability pride flag with dark grey background and 5 coloured diagonal stripes. The stripe colours represent red for physical disabilities, yellow for cognitive and intellectual disabilities, white for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, blue for psychiatric disabilities, and green for sensory disabilities. The top right corner features the Workways logo and the words: We want a life like yours.}

We're incredibly proud of our Employment Coaches who are committed to providing personalised support to each and every customer.

The Workways crew had a blast celebrating NAIDOC Week at at the Latrobe Community Day in Morwell yesterday. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our art piece "Community". We'll be putting it on display at our Moe office.
Today, our celebrations move to QLD. If you're in the Brissie south-east region, come on down to Workways Capalaba for art workshops, free sausage sizzle, and celebration of community, starting at 10:30am.

NAIDOC Week is dedicated to celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Each year, NAIDOC Week features a different theme, this years is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, loud & proud."

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

Are you a young person in Latrobe Valley wanting support to get your future on track?
Come along to the VRI and and get connected with all the people and services you need to start kicking goals.
Connect with:
🔹 Employers
🔹 Training Organisations
🔹 Community Services
🔹 Health Services
Free stuff includes:
🥓 Sausage sizzle
🏉 Fun, games, and activities
Bring your:
📋 Resume to share with employers
🧒🏾 Friends to share the fun and valuable opportunities
22 July, 11am to 2pm, The VRI Traralgon.
Entry is FREE. Register Now.
https://www.workways.com.au/register/

Workways Capalaba invites the community to come together in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Activities for the morning will include:
🖤 Acknowledgement of Country
💛 Art and Craft workshops led by Therese, Workways Indigenous Mentor
❤️ Free sausage sizzle

We look forward to seeing you there, and getting to know each other in the spirit of reconciliation.

Check out the Latrobe NAIDOC Calendar!
Workways will be participating in the Morwell Community Day.
Activities include: Welcome and smoking ceremony, cultural games, face painting, cooking, and stalls.
We look forward to seeing you there!
📅 11am to 3pm, 9th July 2024
📌 Falcons Soccer Club, Morwell

This past month, Workways has pledged to WEAR IT, SHAVE IT or COLOUR IT to raise funds for world-class breast cancer research, helping NBCF towards their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.

Together, we've raised an impressive $1512. Thank you to the generous donors who have helped us smash our fundraising target. And kudos to all the team members who went outside their comfort zones to perform various challenges, or sacrifice their hair, in an effort to drive donations.

There's still time to add to our fundraising tally. You can support our GO PINK pledge at:
https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/workwayswarriors

🌟 Finding the right fit - a game changer! 🌟

Riley's initial job searches were frustrating. He lacked motivation and engagement, struggled to complete assigned tasks, and without a driver's license or strong desire for a career path, his situation seemed bleak. With the support of his employment coach, Karen, Riley explored various options, including hospitality jobs requiring RSA and RSG certifications. However, promoting Riley for these roles proved unsuccessful.

As his Workways sessions progressed, Riley began to open up, revealing his hidden passion: gaming! This sparked the idea of game design as a potential career path. The cost and lack of government funding for game design courses presented a hurdle. Together, Karen and Riley explored alternative options that fit Riley's limited budget. Returning to school was daunting, but the prospect of pursuing his passion outweighed the fear.

The turning point came when Riley enrolled in a bachelor's program for game design. He transformed! He now arrives at appointments with a bright smile, excitedly discussing his assignments and the game he's creating. This is the power of aligning career with passion – it ignites a fire within.

We’re incredibly proud of Riley. Finding the right path has brought him not only a fulfilling career path but also a newfound sense of self-worth. His journey is an inspiration, reminding us that passion can be the key to unlocking a brighter future.

Wishing our latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work graduates all the best on their journey in the Conservation and Ecosystem Management industry.

Some are planning on continuing their Certificate 3 in CaEM, some are looking for field work, and some are still figuring it out! But all 7 trainees have said that they have learnt many new skills, gained confidence in themselves, and made new friends. 🌱🌳✨️

Today is World Refugee Day, celebrating the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country.

We’re shining the spotlight on Asifiwe and her remarkable journey, from seeking refugee status to re-establishing herself as a nurse in Australia. Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength of many refugees who now call Australia home.

Facing language barriers and qualification hurdles upon arrival from her home country, Asifiwe found herself at a crossroads. With the dedicated assistance of Mihi at Workways Beenleigh office, Asifiwe engaged weekly to navigate challenges, from understanding childcare options to accessing employment opportunities.

Mihi's guidance proved instrumental in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, aiding Asifiwe in understanding documentation, setting up essential services like myGov, Medicare, Centrelink, and even crafting job applications.
Through Workways' support, Asifiwe's youngest child gained childcare access, lightening her load and focusing on her career aspirations. Now, on the brink of re-entering nursing, Asifiwe's journey stands as a beacon of resilience and strength. 🌟👩🏾🌟

Congratulations, Asifiwe, on your inspiring journey!

NAIDOC Week Event - Workways Capalaba invites the community to come together in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Activities for the morning will include:
🖤 Acknowledgement of Country
💛 Art and Craft workshops led by Therese, Workways Indigenous Mentor
❤️ Free sausage sizzle

We look forward to seeing you there, and getting to know each other in the spirit of reconciliation.

When: 10:30am, 10th July 2024
Where: Workways Capalaba - Shop 2, 26-28 Redland Bay Rd, Capalaba QLD 4157

🌟 Taryn's Tenacity Pays Off 🌟

Taryn began participating in Workways programs in April 2024. She remained determined to upskill and find better employment opportunities, despite the challenges of living with cerebral palsy and experiencing depression and anxiety.

Within two weeks of commencing with Workways, Taryn secured a spot in Toll's forklift advantage program, gaining the confidence and skills to pursue a forklift license and explore warehousing careers. Taryn loved the course and was eager to find work.

When Toll couldn't place her immediately on completion of the course, Taryn was not discouraged. She persevered, applying for jobs, attending trials, and ultimately securing employment on her own initiative.

Taryn's hard work and determination have paid off. She has not only secured one job, but two! She is loving her new roles and is a shining example of how perseverance and a positive attitude can lead to success. Taryn is pictured with her Workways Employment Coach, Karen McGregor.

"100% recommend Nikki for those looking for employment"
Thank you for your kind review, Madison!

We love what we do and it shows in our passion for supporting each customer's individual needs.

Amazing Career Opportunities for Youth in Latrobe Valley!

We have exciting opportunities in apprenticeships, traineeships, general labouring, and retail just for you!

🔥 Apprenticeships
Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Automotive, and more
Earn while you learn, hands-on training, nationally recognized qualifications

💼 Traineeships
Business Administration, IT, Health Services, and more

🏗️ General Labouring
Construction, Landscaping, Warehousing, Manufacturing

🛍️ Retail
Sales Assistant, Cashier, Stock Replenisher, Customer Service

🎯 Eligibility:
Aged 15-24
Not currently in full-time education or employment
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Living in the Latrobe Valley

📢 How to Apply:

Contact Cassandra Carn:
[email protected] | 0418 594 191

Contact Shilpa Nagre:
[email protected] | 0456 812 517

Or Register on our website:
https://www.workways.com.au/our-programs/transition-to-work/

Workways Australia