When Paul first came to BUSY Ability, he was a little reserved and his confidence was low, having just lost some casual, labour hire shifts that he had relied on for income. With a prior conviction to deal with, this was placing added stress on him to find sustainable employment. Paul had recently become a new father as well and was striving to make something of himself for his little girl.
Paul’s Employment Consultant at BUSY Ability, Trey, worked on a quick skills-based resume as he didn’t have a lot of employment history. Trey also supported him with interview tips and worked on building Paul’s confidence. Paul revealed that he had always wanted to work as a carpenter, he had some prior experience in carpentry and really enjoyed building and working with his hands.
Trey had heard about a construction industry pre-apprenticeship program with ATW, a 100% First Nation’s, Group Training Organisation in Queensland, and so completed the paperwork necessary to refer him to the program. Within a day or two, Paul was accepted, and he commenced the 3-month paid program in early May. The pre-apprenticeship program offers real work experience along with the commencement of accredited units relevant to an apprenticeship in the construction trades.
Employment Consultant Trey said, “Paul was surprised that he was able to mention what he thought might have been an unrealistic goal, and literally watched the magic happen. On his first day I called to congratulate him, and I felt like I was speaking to a different person, he was oozing confidence and excitement!”
Paul is now looking forward to his future career path stating, “Once we finish the 12 weeks of the pre-apprenticeship program, we are connected to employers who want to put us on as apprentices. I’ve done a bit of carpentry before, and I like it so I’m hoping to get a start in that field.
“Trey has been really supportive of me. I rang a heap of jobs but didn’t hear back. It’s been so hard, I’ve been trying to find something for three or four months now, applying on Seek for all the apprenticeship roles but with no luck. Trey managed to get me into the pre-apprenticeship within an afternoon! I’ve got a baby now too, so it just gives me some relief to support her as well. My goal is to start my own business one day.”
Stacey Turnbull, Chief Executive Officer at BUSY Ability said, “Finding the right career path for anyone is hard but for those with a prior conviction it can be even more difficult. Everyone deserves an opportunity to change their lives for the better. We’re proud to be able to support Paul to find a career goal that suits his interests and skills – and make his new daughter proud!”
If you, or someone you know, is having trouble finding employment due to a prior conviction, BUSY Ability can assist through their Ex-Offenders program. Find out more
Trey (L) with Paul who has now commenced a 3-month paid pre-apprenticeship program and is looking forward to then moving into a permanent apprenticeship in carpentry.
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.
