Participant Stories
Royal Guide Dogs of Tasmania Point Steven in a New Direction
Positive Attitude Slashes the Barriers to Employment
From Mutual Obligation to Job Satisfaction
Suzie’s story – From Work for the Dole to my first National Qualification!
Royal Guide Dogs of Tasmania Point Steven in a New Direction
4 May 2007
When Steven Smith attended an interview with Business & Employment (now CHOOSE employment) in November 2006 for a place in the Work for the Dole program, he had no idea that this interview would provide a major ‘turning point’ in his life!
Steven had previously worked as a sheet metal worker, panel beater, photographer, salesman and boiler maker. As a boiler maker Steve sustained a permanent injury resulting in an enforced change of employment.
Steven then found himself unemployed and seeking a new direction that eventually found him being referred by JobNet Tasmania into Mutual Obligation with Business & Employment. Our Consultant Graeme discussed the options available to Steven within his local area as part of our flexible ‘Skills in Demand Team – West North West’.
In consultation Steven, Graeme developed an action plan that negotiated a Work for the Dole placement with the Royal Guide Dogs of Tasmania at their East Devonport location. Steve was involved in many tasks at the Guide Dogs, one of the main roles being the delivery of Guide Dog money boxes and chocolates. This position required a great deal of time management, planning, public relations and honesty in order to successfully increase the capacity of the Royal Guide Dogs operations.
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| LtoR: Terry Lamprey (Regional Manager Guide Dogs for the Blind) and Steven Smith (Regional Fund Raising/Public Relations Officer) |
The Regional Manger of the Royal Guide Dogs of Tasmania, Mr Terry Lamprey, was impressed with Steven from day one of the activity. He was especially impressed with the initiative and leadership qualities that Steven demonstrated throughout his Work for the Dole placement.
During his period of Mutual Obligation, Steven was encouraged by his supervisor to apply for a position with the Royal Guides Dogs of Tasmania in their Launceston branch. The position of Regional Fund Raising/Public Relations Officer ideally suited the new skills that Steven had gained and proficiently demonstrated during his Work for the Dole placement.
Buoyed by the confidence gained during his placement Steven attended the job interview and was delighted to gain the position. Steven has now successfully managed the career change that appeared to be so illusive in the period following his injury.
Steve recommends the Work for the Dole Program and says “even though it’s an obligation, if you show enough enthusiasm and professionalism you never know where you can end up”.
Positive Attitude Slashes the Barriers to Employment
2 April 2007
The Beaconsfield Primary School staff and students are appreciative of what Work for the Dole participant Michael Fisher has achieved and as such have provided him with part time work over the past two weeks within the school as the groundsman.
Michael is a participant working within the Business & Employment (now CHOOSE employment) Flexi Team which has allowed him to not only learn new skills but become an integral part of the Schools community.
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| Michael preparing to put his skills to use slashing the schools grounds. |
Over the past few months Michael, along with the School Gardener, have established a vegetable garden bed for the students within the School. Michael is also involved in the creation of the garden located behind him in the picture. Through Michael’s dedication and willingness to learn and work within a team and autonomously he is now the stand in groundsman when ever possible.
Advice provided by Michael's Consultant has provided a future employment direction for Michael to utilise his training credits. Post placement he intends to complete a driving course and get a forklift licence.
From Mutual Obligation to Job Satisfaction
5 May 2005
Woolmers Estate and the Australian National Rose Garden at Longford is moving ahead in leaps and bounds and a lot of the credit can go to an ex Work for the Dole participant Mr Ross Turner.
Ross started his Work for the Dole (Mutual Obligation) project at the Australian National Rose Garden 3 years ago. From early days Ross was identified as a "worker" who was prepared to take on responsibilities and committed himself to "getting the job done". On completion of his Mutual Obligation Ross was offered a part time job at the Australian National Rose Garden which he gladly accepted. Since that time Ross has successfully progressed on and now works full time as the head Gardener/Landscaper.
Paul, Ross' Consultant, has said "Ross has an ability to relate to all participants on the project, being an ex participant gives him an understanding of what is required whilst on the job. Over the three years Ross has increased his skill level, communicaiton, tasking and working with others which is why he is so successful."
Ross' tasks include irrigation design and electrical operation, concreting, pathway construction, border construction, symmetrical garden layout and horticulture duties.
Suzie’s story – From Work for the Dole to my first National Qualification!
10 August 2004
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Suzie arrived at the Community Solutions Division of Business & Employment (now CHOOSE employment) for her scheduled Mutual Obligation interview during January 2004. Suzie spoke quietly with our Consultant about her prospects, available options and requirements.
Suzie highlighted that she really wanted a change of direction from a hospitality background and was keen to gain work experience in Office Administration. Our consultant placed Suzie on our flexible Community Response Team to undertake office administration duties within the Mary Ogilvy Homes Society. Due to Suzie’s good attitude and sense of work ethic the experience was very positive and her host provided a great reference plus a four week paid position whilst one of the permanent staff was on leave.
Suzie was then referred to our Findstaff.biz recruitment team in Hobart, who then placed Suzie on a temporary assignment in office administration with the Income Tax Professionals (ITP) over the very busy tax return period.
We recognise talent when we see it! Suzie was assisted to apply for a full time position within our organisation, as reception/administrative assistant in our newest branch at New Norfolk.
Suzie is now, from that initial Mutual Obligation interview and Work for the Dole participation, in full time employment working toward a National Qualification, Certificate III in Business Administration. In Suzie’s own words she paid credit to the process and support that enabled this new career to form. "The Work for the Dole scheme has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me”.
Suzie’s experience is reflective of the very positive outcomes that are quietly taking place and it demonstrates that given a real opportunity CHOOSE employment jobseekers are capable of great achievements.
Suzie continues to work for our organisation, in a Senior Customer Service role at the O group.
