After three long years of unemployment, 57yr old Leongatha man, Luke, wasn’t sure what to expect when he started with his new service provider: The Salvation Army Employment Plus.
He’d spent three years with his previous provider and hadn’t found work. He’d felt he’d been ‘pigeon-holed’ by his previous experience, and while he’d engaged in training courses, he’d not found a job that suited him.
Employment Plus started helping the jobseekers of Gippsland region in July this year as the new Workforce Australia program came in to place.
“Were determined to help Luke find a better return on the time he invested in job hunting,” says regional manager, Les Stothard.
“Luke said he’d not really attended many job interviews during the past 36 months. The opportunities put in front of him just didn’t seem the right fit. He really wanted to work but wanted a role where he could continue to learn new skills and also feel like is he making a valued contribution.
Not long after Luke’s initial appointment a role came up with Bendigo Bank.
His employment consultant, Gemma, assisted him with his application and spent time helping Luke take a review of his job seeking process. This involved reviewing his CV to better showcase his experience and brushing up on his interview techniques to ensure he was putting his best foot forward.
Employment Plus also helped Luke find some appropriate clothes to wear to his interview, which would be more suited in a corporate environment – exactly the kind of role he had his eye on!
Luke was overjoyed when he was offered a full-time role in customer service at the banking branch and has now been there for more than two months. He’s since learned plenty of new skills and has fitted right in with the team.
“Luke was extremely excited to get off payments and to work at such a great place like Bendigo Bank. He’s relishing the challenges and we’re pleased to hear from his employers that he’s adding a lot of value. It’s great when our job seekers find a job they love and can start a whole new chapter, looking positively forward,” concludes Les.