“I’m so thankful for all the help I’ve received.” Willow’s story.

Young Indigenous job seeker Willow has happily settled into life in Brisbane with the help of the Ready for Work program. She has landed a secure job as a Food Services Attendant with Sodexo at an aged care facility.

After finishing school, Willow found herself without direction. “I was partying a lot and I had no plans for the future,” Willow said.

After deciding that she needed to get into a positive routine, Willow moved from the Western Downs to Brisbane. But she found it to be a daunting place and wasn’t sure where to start with finding work. “I needed as much help and advice as possible,” Willow said.

Willow met with MatchWorks Regional Trainer, Lisa Bowers who helped her to realise her potential and supported her with:

  • Joining the Ready for Work program.
  • Creating a quality resume.
  • Building her knowledge to produce quality job applications.
  • Developing interview techniques. 

A fresh start

“Once I decided where I wanted and needed to be in my life, things fell into place,” Willow said.During the Ready for Work program, I successfully applied for a Food Services Attendant role with Lisa’s help. Within a week I had landed an interview and a few days later I had my first shift and I’ve loved it since then. I completed my orientation and now I manage and prepare a meal roster for the 26 residents I look after.”

“Willow’s life has changed for the better over the last 12 months,” Lisa said. “She is happy and confident, and grateful for the support she has received so far.”

 Now that Willow is progressing in her role, she has set goals for herself.

“I’m looking forward to getting my driver licence soon and now that I’m working, I can even buy myself a brand-new car which will save me two hours of travel time each day,” Willow said.

“Lisa knows how to get you from nothing to something. She is awesome at what she does, and very passionate. She would always keep my updated on how she was helping me, keep me accountable for myself and still texts me to see how I’m going. She’s the reason I am where I am today.”

Part of the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, Ready for Work assists young people aged 15-24 to transition into the workplace. It provides courses of up to 6-8 weeks on job search assistance, employability skills and training.

If you need employment support to take your next step in your career, contact us today.