When Workforce Australia client, Peter*, first connected with atWork Australia in Invermay, Tasmania, he had recently relocated from Victoria.
Peter was looking for a new beginning and a fresh start. However, this came at the cost of leaving behind his family, friends and his support network.
When Peter met his Job Coach, Renai, he shared that he had been unemployed for 12 months. He believed his main barrier to employment was not having his driver’s licence and living in Tasmania there was very limited public transport.
This was a challenging situation for Peter. He needed a driver’s licence to get a job, but he needed a job to pay for driving lessons. Being away from his family and friends meant he could not get free informal driving lessons to complete the required hours.
Renai could see Peter’s motivation to find work and understood the challenges he was facing. By accessing the employment fund, atWork Australia were able to provide funding for Peter to attend professional driving lessons, sit his driving test without adding further financial pressures to an already stretch budget.
Throughout the period while Peter did not have his driver’s licence, Renai was able to provide flexible servicing to allow more time for Peter to undertake lessons and limit the stress of having to arrange transport to get to the office.
Since gaining his driver’s licence, Peter can now expand his job searches and explore alternative options, and he can now connect with the team in the office on a regular basis to work towards employment.
Gaining his driver’s licence has provided Peter with a new sense of freedom. He previously spent a lot of time at home, whereas now he can get out and engage in his community which has proven to have positively impacted his mental health, helping a more positive mindset.
Peter continues to work with his Job Coach, Ranai, and is focused on developing his employability skills and progressing towards employment.
“Watching Peter overcome his barriers with such enthusiasm and determination has been inspiring. He has done this without having the luxury of family close by to provide support and guidance. It would be such a challenging experience,” said Job Coach, Renai.
“It can be so easy to become a victim of your circumstances. Peter is facing and overcoming his barriers with such tenacity.” – Renai, atWork Australia Job Coach.
*clients name has been changed to protect their privacy
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients 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.
