atWork Australia were delighted to see one of our job seekers Jascinta Jones recognised with the Achiever of the Year award at the 2021 NESA awards held in Canberra on Tuesday 8 June.
Every year, the National Employment Services Association (NESA) brings employment services providers, employers, and allied services together to honour and acknowledge exceptional achievements in the realm of employment.
Jascinta travelled to Canberra to attend this year’s Gala Awards ceremony along with her employer Sodexo, and several atWork Australia staff members.
During her time looking for work, Jascinta faced many barriers and experienced several false starts but she continued to work closely with atWork Australia’s Indigenous Employment Services (IES) team. They guided and supported her through the job seeking process and Jascinta eventually landed her current role as a full time FIFO Room Service Attendant for Sodexo in August 2019.
Sodexo were one of the three finalists in the NESA Champion Employer of the Year Award.
atWork Australia nominated Jascinta for the award with Group Executive Michael Kolomyjec saying we are ‘genuinely so proud’ of her achievements.
‘Her journey to employment was challenging following her release from incarceration, however she showed real perseverance and resilience to achieve her goal of full-time employment. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow in confidence, knowing she is making a difference to her life as well as her family and community.’
Jascinta was overjoyed to be nominated, and very appreciative of the award.
“I was given a second and third chance of a lifetime with work – of which I will never take advantage of. I received great support from great companies that are willing to give people like myself and others a second chance in life to help create a new path. I am truly thankful to people around me who believe in me.”
NESA Chief executive Sally Sinclair said the awards were a chance to recognise so many in the sector that absolutely deserved it. The stories of acceptance and resilience that came out of every award ceremony was truly inspiring and something that was worth acknowledging.
“Jascinta’s story was one that she says will not only inspire but provide hope for so many disadvantaged jobseekers out there still grappling on their journey to finding fulfilling employment.”
atWork Australia congratulate all finalists and award winners. Listen and watch Jascinta’s acceptance speech here.