The idea of building and repairing heavy machinery and steel structures had always interested 41-year-old Joshua and becoming a qualified boilermaker has been a long-term career goal. Unfortunately, after making some bad decisions in his younger years, life’s challenges and uncertainties made it difficult for Joshua to turn his career dream into reality.
Struggling to find stable employment, Joshua worked in casual and unskilled roles that never quite satisfied his ambitions. When he reached out to BUSY Ability for support under the Workforce Australia Specialist Employment Services program, which helps ex-offenders and those with a criminal conviction to find stable employment, he knew he needed more than just a job—he needed guidance, support and someone to help him navigate the complex world of training and employment.
Joshua soon got back on track with his goal after his initial meeting with Renee, one of BUSY Ability’s dedicated employment consultants, supporting job seekers like Joshua in the Gympie region. From the moment they spoke, Renee could see Joshua was committed to becoming a skilled tradesperson, he was seeking purpose and a stable future for himself through employment.
“Joshua was clear about becoming a boilermaker, but he was unsure how to make it happen,” Renee recalls. “He had the drive, but he needed the right support and training that would make him employable in such a specialised field.”
Renee worked closely with Joshua to develop a tailored plan. Together they explored training options, including apprenticeships, and discussed the qualifications Joshua would need to become a fully licensed boilermaker.
One of the biggest challenges Joshua faced was overcoming his lack of formal qualifications. While he had some hands-on experience, he knew that he needed certification to work in the industry. With Renee’s encouragement and constant support, Joshua found the confidence and motivation to approach the situation head on.
“It felt daunting at first,” Joshua admits. “But Renee was there every step of the way, always checking in and helping me stay on track. She helped me to believe in myself.”
After months of hard work and determination, Joshua’s big break came when he was offered a full-time Trade Assistant position with a reputable company specialising in industrial welding and fabrication. The position was the perfect opportunity for Joshua to put his prior experience into practice and continue building his skills under the mentorship of experienced boilermakers. Through his new employment, Joshua undertook Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and has since gained further skills to achieve his Certificate III in Engineering. Joshua will now be moved into a trade-qualified Boilermaker position!
Joshua’s journey from jobseeker to qualified boilermaker is a testament to his resilience and the power of having the right support system in place.
“I’m so proud of how far I’ve come,” Joshua says. “None of this would have been possible without the support from BUSY Ability. Renee didn’t just help me find a job—she helped me change my life.”
For Renee, seeing Joshua achieve his career goal is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. “Joshua’s success is a true reflection of his hard work, coupled with available support for job seekers like him,” she says. “When someone is willing to put in the effort, like Joshua has, and we here at BUSY Ability can offer the right guidance and support, anything is possible!”
Find out more about employment support for ex-offenders through BUSY Ability’s Specialist Employment Services program.
Joshua is now working as a qualified boilermaker, thanks to assistance through BUSY Ability’s Specialist Employment Services which supports ex-offenders to find employment.
The BUSY Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and their Elders past and present.
