Salvo’s partnership helps transform job seeker confidence and skills
A long-standing national partnership between Salvos Stores and MatchWorks is changing the lives of unemployed job seekers.
Kaleb met with the MatchWorks Mandurah team a year ago, quiet and determined to find work. He successfully completed the PaTH Employability Skills Training online program and attended several employment information sessions.
The team also supported Kaleb with:
- Driving lessons to assist him with his licence.
- Interview clothing.
- Identifying retail and hospitality opportunities.
After missing out on a job opportunity, things took a positive turn when Kaleb commenced Work for the Dole at the local Salvos Store in September last year.
“Kaleb participated in the work-like activities with his host for six weeks; basic customer service, stock management and store maintenance,” MatchWorks National Work for the Dole Manager, Saada Houli said.
“He found that the activity boosted his confidence, gave him a feeling of empowerment and helped him address his anxiety about working.”
New confidence brings job success
Salvos Store Manager, Meloney Waetford said while Kaleb started out quiet and timid, his confidence grew each week.
“When we shared with the team that we had casual positions available, Kaleb was interested to apply and willing to learn which was awesome, so we helped him as much as we could,” Meloney said.
Kaleb successfully interviewed for a Regional Sales Assistant role in October and now works across multiple Perth sites. He is also taking on more responsibilities including banking, opening, closing and running of the store.
The right partnership
Meloney said she had seen many participants become happier in themselves once they were part of a supportive team.
“We see our Work For the Dole clients slowly become more confident and outgoing, growing into stronger individuals who want to be out there working,” Meloney said.
“We have a great relationship with the MatchWorks team; they assist us promptly with any queries we may have and help resolve any issues.”
Salvos Store Volunteer Workforce Manager, Steve Cassar said Salvos Stores have had an enduring and fruitful partnership for many years with MatchWorks.
“In the past eight years, we have seen hundreds of job seekers come into our stores lacking in confidence and then transform into amazing retailers,” Steve said.
“Without the fantastic work from MatchWorks and our highly trained Salvos Store Managers, this would not have been possible. We’re looking forward to seeing our relationship continue to prosper and grow.”
“We are so proud of Kaleb,” Saada said. “He is super excited to start the next chapter of his employment journey and can’t wait to see what the future brings him.”
Contact us to find out more about becoming a Work for the Dole host.