Before moving to Australia, Ayad spent many years working in the cleaning and customer service industries, in his home country, Iraq. Ayad loved his job, he enjoyed making a clean workplace for his colleagues, but mainly he loved interacting and helping people however he could. Although, due to Ayad’s significant health barriers, he has been unemployed for more than twelve years.
When Ayad came to atWork Australia to seek support from the Disability Employment Service team at the Fairfield office in NSW, he was introduced to his Job Coach, Salah. Ayad discussed some of his barriers to employment with his Job Coach, which included; respiratory disorder, spinal disorder and mental illness. Ayad explained that because of his health concerns, his motivation and moods often fluctuate and he did not feel ready to return to work. Ayad’s Job Coach, Salah, listened carefully as Ayad shared his story and acknowledged the challenges he was facing. Salah assured Ayad that they would work at his pace and that he was not going to be forced into doing something he did not want to do. They discussed some of Ayads doubts about returning to work, while also highlighting some of his strengths and skills he could bring to a workplace.
Salah started updating Ayad’s resume and helping him build confidence by preparing for potential interviews. In the past Ayad had applied for lots of positions, unfortunately, he was never successful, and this further impacted on his mental health and his self-confidence. Now he is working with atWork Australia, he has a team of people here to support him. Ayad’s Job Coach, Salah, referred him to atWork Australia’s Employer Engagement team, who began contacting employers on Ayad’s behalf.
After spending such a long period of time unemployed and submitting so many applications, only to be disappointed, Ayad could barely believe it when he received a phone call from a potential employer. Ayad immediately contacted his Job Coach, Salah, to ask what he should do. Salah reminded him that he had the skills and experience. Salah advised him to take a deep breath, stay calm and relaxed, and confidently explain his strengths to the employer based on his previous experience.
Salah also suggested that Ayad could provide atWork Australia the authority to contact the employer on his behalf to negotiate an opportunity, which Ayad accepted the offer. A week later, Ayad was beside himself when he received a job offer from the employer, it had been such a long time and he just could not believe it.
Ayad was very grateful and appreciative for the support he received from atWork Australia and his Job Coach, Salah, for giving him his confidence back and a chance to return to the workforce. Ayad said, “It is nice to have someone believe in you, it helped me to believe in myself. I am forever grateful.”
Ayad’s Job Coach, Salah, said, “When I first met Ayad, I could tell he really wanted to work, he just needed some help to get started and build his confidence. I am very proud of him.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have done it alone,” said Ayad.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like Ayad, expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals