Steven is a young father, who is passionate about the automotive industry. His goal was to gain an apprenticeship as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic. He had been working towards that goal, never giving up for the past ten years. Steven also lives with a learning disability.
“Steven has always had a passion for cars,” said Job Coach, Brayen. “He works on his own cars and helps his Uncle at his car wrecking company.”
Steven would come in for weekly appointments with the names of potential employers he had found. Steven put himself out there on Facebook responding to posts and adding his own posts seeking an apprenticeship. He would bring those recommendations into his Job Coach Brayen to follow up.
“He knew he could do it, the learning and the practical, he was confident in his current skills, and he had such a positive attitude that the right employer would eventually believe in him as much as he did himself,” said Brayen.
For every ten rejections there would be one or two that would request his cover letter and resume be sent. Between July and the beginning of September, he landed three interviews that did not progress to employment. This did not deter him, and he kept putting himself out there to perspective employers.
Having Brayen advocate for Steven was an important part of the process, so employers could understand his learning disability and the support he would receive from atWork Australia.
“Talking to employers before they received Steven’s resume gave them the chance to see Steven’s abilities in the industry rather than focus on his disability,” said Brayen.
Eventually, employer, Patlin Transport, gave Steven the chance he was looking for.
“Once Joe from Patlin Transport interviewed Steven, he immediately contacted me to discuss how Steven went, asked what his learning needs would be and said, I’m going to give him this opportunity and chance where others have failed him,” said Brayen.
“They told me that he is clearly passionate and has a lot of knowledge already. When he learnt he had been trying for ten years, that was enough to know that he would be committed to working hard and learning.”
Now with the job of his dreams, Steven needed assistance with tools, boots and hi-visibility clothing to start the role.
atWork Australia were Steven’s advocates and his cheer leader. The team are looking forward to continuing to help Steven achieve his goal through In Work Support.
“Job Coach, Brayen, helped with applications, phone calls, updating cover letters and resumes, he even supported me to try and find somewhere to live when I was on the verge of being homeless,” said Steven.
“He saw me every week and helped to secure this job that I’m loving so much and can’t wait to start the apprenticeship next year.”
“Job Coach, Brayen, gave me 110% more than anyone else. Thank you for the support,” said Steven.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like Steven 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.