From job seeker to WfD supervisor - Tim's triumph in Port Douglas
Published by MAXSolutions on July 25, 2017
Tim’s positive spirit and gratitude has inspired at least a few of the younger job seekers in Port Douglas.
Living in the growing but still small town of Port Douglas, ex-boiler maker Tim was finding it hard to secure a full-time job. Working casually at the local IGA, Tim desperately wanted more hours, but the work available was mostly retail or hospitality – not exactly what Tim was interested in.
Cairns Placement Consultant Florensia Walker was in Port Douglas on outreach and met with My Pathway who said they had a position available as a Work for the Dole (WfD) supervisor with Community Enterprise Australia. The job was at the Port Douglas Soccer Club – did she know anyone suitable?
“Straight away I said yes, I definitely have someone suitable.”
As well as being an ex-boiler maker, Tim also had supervisor experience from working in the mines. He was a great fit for this role - it was now just a matter of telling him.
“He’d be doing a bit of labouring work, but it’s mostly supervising the other clients, moderating them and building their confidence. I thought because Tim’s older, it’ll be good for him to have a chat with the young kids.”
Florensia expected some push back, but as soon as he heard about the position Tim jumped at the chance.
“I said, are you sure Tim? They might be difficult. But Tim said ‘I’m in it, don’t worry.’”
Tim was enthusiastic in pursuing more work, but had not had a positive experience with previous employment service providers. Flo said when she met Tim, he was angry.
“When he came to me the first time when I was in Mossman back in May, he was really angry. He said, ‘you’re just another one’. He was not impressed with his last provider, he wasn’t asked what he wanted to do; what he was interested in.”
So when Tim received a phone call out of the blue about a job he didn’t recall applying for, he was shocked.
“Flo, did you do that?” he said.
When he found out he was successful in securing the job, Tim was so happy he cried.
“I was over the moon,” Tim said.
Tim started his new role last week and could not be happier.
“It’s good. I’ve been just checking it all out, so far. The workers are coming down tomorrow so we need a fridge to put lunches in - I’ve organised that.”
Tim also has chronic back pain but is not letting it hold him back.
“With the back injury, the more I move around the better it is.”
Tim’s positive spirit and gratitude has inspired at least a few of the younger job seekers in Port Douglas.
“I had two unmotivated clients who said they wanted to work now. When I asked them what changed their mind, they said it was from listening to what Tim had to say.”
With the steady income Tim now has he says he is looking forward to paying off his bills, and going out in his 4wD to see the best of what Port Douglas has to offer.
Image caption: Tim proud as punch in his new uniform as he comes to thank Cairns DES Placement Consultant Florensia Walker for her assistance.
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