Customer Success: Cameron’s Recipe for Success

Cameron is a qualified boiler maker and motor mechanic who first came to Workways in August 2022, seeking help to overcome serious barriers to gaining employment. Due to a challenging period in his life, Cameron began using illicit substances and breaking the law, which resulted in a good behaviour bond and mandatory corrections order.

Initially, Cameron’s attendance at Workways was sporadic and unreliable. Cameron had multiple barriers restricting him from obtaining and sustaining employment including, but not limited to, suspended drivers license, long-term unemployed, mental health, presentation barriers, motivation, and his legal requirements.

Over his first few appointments, Cameron gradually built a rapport with his Employment Coach, Calista. He acknowledged that, before he could be ready for work, he needed to get his mental health back on track. Cameron engaged with Latrobe Community Health Service and, as he progressed through his counselling sessions, Calista noticed a huge transformation. As Cameron’s self esteem and confidence was restored, he became more reliable with appointments and increasingly motivated to take the next steps towards employment.

Calista linked Cameron to Workways  “Way2Sessions”, which helps participants with building confidence, resume and cover letter writing, and job search techniques. While participating in Ways2Sessions, Cameron discussed employment goals with Calista and expressed an interest in completing his Traffic Control and Traffic Management certificate.

After successfully completing his tickets in Traffic Control, Calista and Cameron discussed applying for employment within the industry. By now, fully committed to establishing a new career, Cameron voiced his desire to apply across a broad range of industries to maximise his chances of employment success.

Calista suggested the CTA Boost Program – an Employability Skills Program that helps participants gain 5-6 licenses/ tickets towards region specific industries, build a professional resume and cover letter, and learn about the local labour market. Cameron was keen to participate.

During Cameron’s time within the Boost Program, he obtained his Safe Food Handling, Responsible Service of Alcohol, and Engage the Customer training / tickets. Cameron was also referred to numerous vacancies via Workways’ Employer Engagement Officer, including a kitchen hand position at a popular local pub. Cameron interviewed and started employment just before the Easter long weekend (2024).

Cameron is still employed at the establishment and cannot talk highly enough about his position. He gets along well with his employer and is learning new transferrable skills every day. Cameron has now maintained his employment for 5 weeks with the assistance of Workways! He’s found a passion for working within a kitchen environment and may consider a cheffing apprenticeship in the future.

It has been a long road for Cameron to overcome his barriers. But the support of his employment coach in accessing mental health and other services has been instrumental in surmounting these challenges. Cameron feels confident going to work each day and is thankful to Workways and Calista for listening to his needs and finding solutions to match his needs and goals. We wish Cameron all the best in his new career.