Craig is a wonderful example of how tenacity and being open to new experiences can help in becoming job-ready.
Craig transferred to atWork Australia’s Midland office after four years of unemployment. He was unable to continue his much-loved job as a train shunter due to severe leg and back pain.
When Craig first met with experienced Disability Employment Services Job Coach, Ellie, he had lost faith in his abilities to find sustainable work that could accommodate his physical barriers. He truly believed that his options were limited.
Ellie first set about supporting Craig in addressing his medical issues. With renewed focus on rehabilitation, Craig began to feel better both physically and mentally. Once Craig felt his health improving, Ellie and Craig began to discuss new career pathways that would suit both his physical capacity and his interests. They talked about how trying something new was an exciting and nervous time for anyone, but with the right support, Craig would find his place.
In a review of potential options, Ellie and Craig looked at the feasibility of Craig retraining for a new career. Craig was excited and open to this idea, and chose to study a Certificate III in warehousing at a local college. Now happily in the swing of his training course, Craig feels that good things are on the horizon. He is proud of his progress so far; learning new skills and setting and achieving life-changing goals.
“It has been a great experience having Ellie as my Job Coach. I have learnt so much and I have been well supported the entire way,” Craig says.
He adds, “Since joining atWork Australia, Ellie has supported me in addressing my barriers and finding a new career that I may not have considered prior. I am loving my course and have met some great people.”
Craig is now feeling very confident and eager about returning to work. So is the ever-supportive Ellie.
“It has been wonderful to see the transition and improvement Craig has made so far. We’re now looking for an ongoing, permanent role straight after his course has finished,” says Ellie.