Coogee's guest becomes homeowner!
3/03/2007
When Michael first came to the atWork Spearwood Office he was long-term unemployed, highly disadvantaged and homeless. His sole possessions were in a single backpack and his sleeping quarters, Coogee Beach.
Initially, unmotivated and unkempt he was encouraged by the staff to attend the Job Forum held at Spearwood three days a week. It wasn’t long before Michael was in daily attendance and rapidly gaining confidence.
An action plan developed from these daily encounters and as Michael slowly let down his barriers, he allowed atWork to support him to put his life in order. The next step was to assist with clothing and bus fares, closely followed by upgrading Michael’s skills as a Forklift Operator, subsidised by the Job Seeker Account.
This resulted in Natalie (Marketer) negotiating a position for Michael as a General Labourer using his forklift ticket. Michael continued to sleep on the beach, walking forty minutes to work each day until receiving his first pay cheque which he used to rent a room and gain a mobile.
It is now six months since that first pay day and his employer reports that he is their best employee and they have promoted him to Forklift and Machine Operator, enjoying increased earnings. Michael now has his own house and hopes that this will enable his daughter visit him more regularly.
Michael’s thoughts about atWork Australia were these; "extremely helpful, with a great sense of reality," who gave him "practical direction with excellent follow up."
"Thank you atWork, for the help with my re-introduction to the workforce."