Compass serving up job skills

When Paul Humphries’ mum fell ill, his world was turned upside down.

The 29-year-old bakery assistant packed up his belongings and moved to be with her in western Sydney.

Life as a carer meant long days filled with doctor’s appointments, domestic duties and caring responsibilities, leaving little time for Mr Humphries to look after himself much less find a new job in a new area.

His demanding home life, coupled with some mental health issues, took their toll and he found himself out of work for nine months.

Paul had to overcome employment barriers such as lack of job confidence and interviewing skills, and social challenges.

But thanks to preparation by the MAX Solutions’ Employment Partnerships team, he was prepped and ready to take on an opportunity with Compass Group Australia.

Emily Grundy from Compass Group Australia said MAX was a trusted recruitment partner, able to place the right candidate with the right skills at the right time.

“MAX Solutions is one of our preferred providers for all our diversity and inclusion work,” Ms Grundy said.

“We look to MAX to source candidates for us across a variety of different projects, and to ensure we’re getting the best candidates for the roles we have vacant.

“They just really understand our business.”

Thanks to the strong partnership between MAX and Compass Group, Paul was quickly placed into a role as a barista at Laneways café in Nepean Hospital in Kingswood, NSW.

Mr Humphries said after nine months of disappointment, he was elated when he learned he got the role.

“This is one of the first jobs I’ve had where I actually enjoy coming to work,” Mr Humphries revealed.

“Before I had this job I felt, in a lot of ways, a bit useless, I didn’t really feel like I was going anywhere.

“Now I’ve got the job, I love it and I love the people!

“No one has ever believed in me and given me an opportunity like this before.

“I’m working hard, and they are training me up to develop my skills to become a supervisor.

“It’s not just a job to me, it’s a career.”

Site manager Symon Moth said he was a natural barista.

“Paul is a great addition to our team, he is always early and eager to start the day,” he said.

Darren Otten, General Manager of Employer Partnerships at MAX Solutions, said most people who come through the doors are keen to work, but face the challenge of developing the necessary skills and experience, or unconscious bias from employers.

“Last year, we placed over 120 people with Compass Group Australia and we’re on track to exceed this in 2019,” Mr Otten said.

“The great thing about the company is around 60% of those candidates stay in work for over six months, which is about 20% above the national average, so they’re a really great, supportive employer.

“We can provide them with people that don’t necessarily have experience in the sector, but just have the right attitude.

“They just trust us to find the right person.”

Mr Otten said Paul was a perfect fit for the hospitality industry and could use this role to launch his career.

“Paul is really great as a barista, he is so wonderfully polite with the customers and has a lovely manner with everyone at the hospital,” Mr Otten said.

“He has the ability to think on his feet and see if something needs to be done - and requires little direction.

“He has a bright future ahead of him, and we can’t wait to see what he decides to turn his hand to next.”