For over 10 years, Phung had been looking for her ideal job and to follow her passion to work as a Support Worker.
Originally from Vietnam, Phung is the primary carer for her children as well as her mother-in-law. She had worked as a Nail Technician to make a living, but this was taking a toll on her mental health as she did not find it to be meaningful employment.
Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic descended on Western Australia, the nail salons were closed, and Phung lost her job.
Phung’s first language is Vietnamese and she had little English literacy when she first reached out to atWork Australia for support in finding new work. She had little work experience and no qualifications.
Phung was connected with her Job Coach, Mai, who was able to speak with her in Vietnamese so she would build trust and feel more comfortable to express herself. Mai enrolled Phung in an English course to help improve her language; she has been attending regular classes since 2020 and is now able to communicate effectively in basic English.
Through the regular appointments Phung had with Mai, they were able to work through navigating the online Points Based Activation System; Phung now successfully reports herself on her phone.
As Phung started to build her skills, Mai referred her to other programs that would build her experience and confidence; setting the foundations to achieve sustainable employment.
As a Job Coach, Mai worked with Phung to identify the types of work she could use her skills in and asked about her hobbies, interests, and passions to help her look at a career direction.
Phung has a passion to be a Support Worker, thus Mai helped her enrol in the SHINE program; a pre-employment and personal development program for CALD women from a broad range of age groups whose careers and employment aspirations have been impacted by: language and cultural barriers, family responsibilities and transitioning into the workforce, to name a few.
Participating in this program has allowed Phung to feel happier, more confident and independent. She was successful in obtaining a role as a Support Worker and continues to be supported by atWork Australia and her employer, Multicultural Services Centre of Western Australia.
Through the help and guidance she received, Phung was able to obtain a role that she enjoys and motivates her every day. The job has helped improve her social interaction and she has made friendships in the community. Additionally, her English has consistently improved, and she is now volunteering as the Translator Assistant for the SHINE program to help other Vietnamese women.
Phung was unemployed for three years and now says, “My life has changed so quickly. I am very grateful for everything Mai has done to support me. Gaining this job … has really boosted my motivation and the income makes things less stressful in general”.
Mai says, “I have seen Phung make a lot of progress from the first time I met her at her initial appointment. I believe Phung starting new employment has given her hope and her confidence has improved. I could not be happier for Phung; I am so proud of her for trying and working so hard every single day to achieve certain goals in her life and in her new role”.
“I am really enjoying my new role… I am grateful for the support I have received from my Job Coach.” – Phung, Workforce Australia client
Every year, atWork Australia helps thousands of clients like Phung 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.