At 19, Chenoa was uncertain about her future after high school. She turned to IntoJobs Mackay, part of the IntoWork Group, for guidance and support as she navigated her career goals.
Chenoa had never held a job and was unsure about which career path to pursue. Additionally, she struggled with anxiety, which made the prospect of entering the workforce even more daunting.
Over the course of three months, her life took a significant turn for the better, thanks to the invaluable assistance she received.
Recognising the challenges Chenoa faced, the IntoJobs team connected her with the Back2Work program. This program was designed to help individuals like Chenoa learn coping mechanisms for anxiety and build the resilience needed to succeed in the workforce.
Another one of the key IntoJobs programs Chenoa was referred to was ‘Moving the Mob,’ co-designed with First Nations Program Facilitators. The program focuses on personal and employment-related goal setting, money management, health and wellbeing, work readiness, and access to further accredited training tailored to individual needs.
Working closely with her Mobile Employment Consultant (MEC), Chenoa began to explore different career options. Through their discussions and activities, Chenoa discovered a passion for the hospitality industry.
IntoJobs saw this protentional and helped Chenoa gain the essential qualifications needed for a career in hospitality. Using the Employment Fund, Chenoa obtained her Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) certifications, which are crucial for working in the industry.
With her new qualifications in hand, IntoJobs reverse-marketed Chenoa to one of their employer contacts, Magpies Sporting Club. Chenoa was invited for an interview, and the Recruitment Officer at Magpies was impressed by her enthusiasm and potential.
Recognising that this was Chenoa’s first job, the Recruitment Officer decided to start her on lower shifts for the first two weeks, gradually increasing her hours to 20 per week or more, depending on her comfort level.
Both Magpies and IntoJobs were committed to ensuring Chenoa’s success by providing ongoing support. They allowed her to gradually increase her hours at a pace that suited her and checked in regularly, both in person and over the phone.
To further support Chenoa’s growth, IntoJobs helped Magpies negotiate a youth bonus wage subsidy. This subsidy allowed the club to provide Chenoa with additional training and upskilling, making her an even more valuable member of the team.
Today, Chenoa is thriving in her role as a food and beverage attendant at Magpies Sporting Club.
Her success story is a testament to the effectiveness of pre-employment programs and the importance of tailored support in helping individuals like Chenoa achieve their career goals.
