“I feel like I have a purpose now.” Anneliese’s story.
Young job seeker Anneliese has overcome mental and physical health issues to land a Business Administration Traineeship with a plumbing company.
Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as a teenager, Anneliese struggled with her health. She also developed social anxiety, which led to depression.
“I didn’t want to go out because I didn’t feel well, so I missed out on all the things most teenagers experience – independence, a casual job and going out with friends,” Anneliese said.
“In the end, I couldn’t complete high school. Years passed like this. I felt like I was at the end of my path.”
A fresh start
Anneliese made the decision to move from the regional town she lived in to find a more hopeful future in the city. Then Melbourne was plunged into lockdown.
“Anneliese was trying to stay positive…but it was a difficult time,” MatchWorks Employment Consultant, Yvette McWilliams said.
Diane and Yvette from MatchWorks, who were part of Anneliese’s support team as she progressed into employment.
“It was tough,” Anneliese said.
“I tried to take each day as it came, apply for jobs and stay hopeful, but that was dashed every time lockdown continued…The only thing that helped me cope was my mentality.”
As soon as lockdown eased, Anneliese enrolled in the genU Training U For Work course, C.A.F.E – Coffee and F&B Essentials. However, anxiety overwhelmed her on day one and she couldn’t attend.
“I felt like I had let Yvette down so badly,” Anneliese said.
“Diane [from MatchWorks] called me and didn’t make me feel silly for having anxiety about it. In fact, she gave me the confidence to attend the course the next day…The course changed my life.”
This positive experience gave the young job seeker the confidence to pursue further studies in Education Support. Then she landed the traineeship position with the plumbing company, and discovered professional skills she didn’t realise she had.
“I feel like I’ve fitted in so well and I love everyone I work with. It’s like a home away from home for me,” Anneliese said.
“I’m really proud of where I am…Before I met them [Diane and Yvette}, I was on a dark path mentally – I thought I would be on Centrelink payments and isolated for the rest of my life,” she said.
“Now I have something to look forward to.”
Find out more about our employment services for job seekers and businesses, or call 1300 13 23 63 to chat to your local team.