Workforce Australia client, Michael, has always just wanted to be seen for his skills and abilities. Michael is looking for a chance to give things a try.
As a child, Michael had disrupted learning but is now attending an adult education class to improve his numeracy and literary skills.
“As a child, they just put me in a corner of the classroom to play with blocks,” said Michael.
His limited education left him feeling exposed and vulnerable when he came to applying for roles.
He was connected with Job Coach, Anna, at the atWork Australia Beaconsfield office in Tasmania, where he faced a number of rejections to job applications.
“I encouraged Michael to participate in our Positivum program to support his health and wellbeing when it came time to look for work,” said Anna.
atWork Australia’s Positivum program was developed in partnership with Monash University and uses a tailored assessment tool to suggest modules focused on challenging negative beliefs and perceptions of working.
“Positivum helps with thoughts about working and the ability to get a job, confidence about getting a job, along with coping and stress management skills as an example,” said Anna.
With Positivum, and the encouragement from Anna, Michael started to see his applications and interactions with employers as a learning step on his journey to employment.
He is about to complete an induction at a local sawmill, another learning opportunity for Michael.
“Michael was relieved to just be given a chance to show his abilities, something he has always wanted,” said Anna. “Michael has grown in confidence and self-worth. I supported him to allow himself to believe and grown in himself.”
No stranger to advocating for diversity and inclusion, Michael has recently featured on ABC Australia’s ‘Unmasked’ series.
He wants employers to give him a chance and see the real Michael. Here he shares a poem for his future employers.
I am Michael this is who you see. I stand tall here today to talk about me.
I have had my struggles most of my life. With judgement and hurdles and to be extra nice.
Whatever I did was for me to continue my journey and to prove this is the real me.
Don’t judge me, don’t rush me away. As long as I am me, I am here to stay.
Every year, atWork Australia helps thousands of clients like Michael expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals.
