When Ray moved from Mareeba to the Logan region, his first priority was finding work. Ray registered with the Workforce Australia Specialist Employment Services program, which assists people with prior convictions to find employment, and he was referred to his local provider of the program, BUSY Ability.
Brendan, Ray’s Employment Consultant at BUSY Ability, assessed his capacity and skills and, with Ray’s interest in labouring work, within two weeks found him some casual employment at a scaffolding company. When that work ran out, Ray then went onto some cementing work. This was also casual employment so eventually came to an end but with the new local experience, Brendan helped Ray update his resume with his newfound skills and work references. Encouraging Ray to approach employers and find secure, full-time work, Ray was soon offered a full-time labouring position at a local auto wreckers.
With an interest in cars and now securing full-time work, Ray couldn’t be happier!
“My employer is really great to work for, they are teaching me new skills and it’s pretty relaxed here. Brendan really helped by doing my resume for me, encouraging me to approach employers for work and once I found the job he got me all the tools I needed. He checks in on me at least once a week to see if I need anything and how I am going, informing me of any support I can receive from BUSY Ability. He is number one in my book!”
Ray is also inspiring his son and grandchildren who recently moved in with him.
“I have my youngest son living with me now. Where he was living before was not a good environment with drugs and alcohol involved, so now he and his grandchildren see me and some other family members going to work every day. With better role models, this gives them an idea of how life can be.
“Having a wage is a lot better than being on Centrelink, plus it keeps me busy. I love getting up and going to work every day!”
Find out more about BUSY Ability’s Specialist Employment Services
A role model to his family members, Ray is now working full time and looks forward to going to work every day.