From homeless to happy – A new future for Ibrahim
For many job seekers, the task of finding work can be stressful. Yet 20-year-old Ibrahim had additional barriers to overcome before he could take a step in the right direction.
Now, with dedicated support from the right people, the former job seeker is creating a new future and following his dream to study law.
“Before starting work I was relying on Centrelink and had given up on life,” Ibrahim said.
“I had no hope for myself. Then MatchWorks helped me find a job.”
The first steps
One of the first steps to getting Ibrahim back on his feet was uncovering why his motivation to work was low.
“Ibrahim was reluctant to communicate initially but once he opened up, he disclosed that he was homeless and felt isolated from his family,” MatchWorks Job Match Consultant, Diane Sardo said.
“So our focus was much more than just getting Ibrahim a job. We also offered practical support that would make his life easier, including short-term accommodation, transport to and from nightshift, and food vouchers,” she said.
MatchWorks Job Match Consultant, Diane Sardo delivered practical and employment support to Ibrahim.
In addition, the team helped Ibrahim:
- Prepare a resume and cover letter that got him hired.
- Find a job in a company where “people helping people” is at the heart of the business.
“At first I didn’t think I was going to be accepted. Than a few days later I received a phone call from HOBAN asking if I can start my first shift the following week,” Ibrahim said.
“After hearing that, I got really excited and couldn’t wait to start my first shift.”
Ibrahim finds a new purpose
Ibrahim was part of a HOBAN Recruitment project team to redirect and assist travellers during the five-month closure of the Coburg Station.
After several shifts with HOBAN Recruitment, Ibrahim started to regain his confidence and a sense of purpose.
“Working really made me realise how much time I was wasting before,” he said.
“I saw that life wasn’t over yet for me and that there’s still so much for me to experience out there.”
According to HOBAN Recruitment Senior Project Manager, Michelle Mantas, the Melbourne job seeker is a “natural” in his Customer Service role.
“Ibrahim is an asset to the team. He is very engaged with customers, very friendly and presents himself immaculately,” she said.
“He has started taking on more responsibility and is proactive about finding out what he needs to do to become a team leader.”
As a people orientated business and Disability Confident Recruiter, HOBAN Recruitment is committed to building a diverse workforce that represents people from all backgrounds, circumstances and abilities.
“Diversity makes us more creative, flexible, productive and competitive in the market and it’s satisfying to watch people who are often overlooked grow and develop as they go through the journey.
“Diane [from MatchWorks] is outstanding and makes it easy for us to find the right people – we have a close partnership.”
A brighter future
Now that Ibrahim is back on his feet, he has started focusing on his next goal – starting a Criminal Justice of Law course at Kangan Institute.
“I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Michelle, I wouldn’t have lasted so long with HOBAN. I thank her a lot because she’s taught me so much…” Ibrahim said.
“Sonia and Diane also supported me and were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Thank you so much for allowing me to see a future for myself.”
Find out more about our employment services for job seekers and businesses, or call 1300 13 23 63 to chat to your local team.