Salisbury job seeker turns voluntary work into paid employment
Job seeker Lyndell came to the MatchWorks Salisbury office as a referral from the Pooraka Farm Community Centre, where she was undertaking voluntary work.
Lyndell wanted additional assistance to gain part-time paid employment after achieving great results through her voluntary work. She met with MatchWorks employment consultant Mark MacDonald to develop a plan.
MatchWorks DES Director Colin Entwistle, job seeker Lyndell and MatchWorks Employment Consultant Mark MacDonald.
“Lyndell had a brain tumour and her health remains an ongoing challenge. She required additional assistance and support from MatchWorks so the centre could offer her paid employment and meet her required minimum of 8 hours per week,” Mark said.
“We discussed additional things she could do at the Pooraka Community Centre. Lyndell then spoke to the manager about the potential to undertake regular work assisting with the training of future participants in training programs.”
Lyndell successfully moved from the centres’ volunteer trainer to employment as a paid trainer. She has reached a six-month milestone and the manager has asked her to deliver more training programs.
“The participants are very receptive to her method of training and she has become a positive mentor and guide to them. She has found a niche in the workforce reflecting that anything is possible if you try,” Mark said.
“MatchWorks will be a part of her long-term employment growth and will provide Lyndell with ongoing support to ensure she continues to sustain her employment.”