Employer Assistance Program helping more than businesses

Busselton, 15 June 2004 - After five turbulent years spent without employment or a firm direction in life, 25-year-old Simon Brooks has put his past behind him and is working towards a better future, thanks to the help of Jobfind Centre's Employer Assistance Program, Tyre Power in Busselton and the Federal Government.

Simon Brooks always dreamed of working with cars as a successful mechanic, so when he left high school at the end of year 11 in 1997, he enrolled to complete a pre-apprentice mechanic course at TAFE to pursue his lifelong dream.

"But I never excelled at studying by the book, and I just couldn't get the marks to successfully complete the course. As a result, the only job I could find was in construction which didn't stimulate me at all. Being mechanically minded, I tried to find other ways of gaining job satisfaction, which led to five years of searching", says Simon.

Disappointed by his failure to fulfil his ambitions, Simon took his frustrations out on the road and quickly became notorious around town for his love of motorbike riding. Increasingly frustrated by his situation, Simon followed the advice of friends and approached Jobfind Centres in Busselton for help.

As part of the Federal Government's Job Network, Jobfind Centres offer job search training services to assist job seekers like Simon with resume and interview techniques, as well as providing practical tips in other areas like self-presentation.

And just two months after walking in through Jobfind's doors, Simon's persistence was finally paid off when he secured a full-time job at Tyre Power.

"Simon approached us several times, looking for work and we were impressed by his sincerity and dedication. However, hiring and training a new person from scratch is a huge financial commitment and we weren't sure if we could afford it," says manager Sean Daly.

"Jobfind Centres told us that we would be eligible for their Employer Assistance Program , which offered wage and training subsidies of up to $4000, so we decided to give Simon a placement and we were ready to go."

Jobfind Centres is able to assist employers before and after they hire a job seeker from Jobfind Centres which can include assistance in the form of subsidies for staff training and wages, new tools and uniforms, workplace modifications, and licenses and tickets for qualifications.

"We take training very seriously, as we are responsible for people's lives. The money offered to us was used to put Simon through a wheel alignment course to make sure he was trained and certified."

However, Sean says Simon was not hired based on the financial incentives alone.

"The quality of the candidate is still the most important factor in the decision to hire new staff. Nevertheless, the fact that Jobfind Centres could ease the financial burden of hiring and training new staff was what pushed the decision over the edge," says Sean.

Almost seven years after leaving school, Simon is grateful to Jobfind Centres and Tyre Power for helping him achieve his childhood dream.

"Finding this job has changed my life. It feels like the door to my future has been opened. I am finally doing something that I love doing with people I love working with."

To other jobseekers out there, Simon offers a few words of encouragement: "Stick at it - the right job for you is out there."

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au