Souths Cares’ New Careers for Aboriginal People (NCAP) initiative has continued to achieve great outcomes for Aboriginal employment, with two new clients successfully entering the workforce.
Lateisha and Michael have had significant challenges in chasing their employment ambitions and with the help of Souths Cares, have achieved their occupational goals.
Lateisha is now working as an administration officer for the Cancer Wellness Centre at Liverpool Hospital.
She enrolled in the ‘Youth Jobs Path’ program, through Campbelltown TAFE and then commenced an internship with Campbelltown Hospital. The internship provided Lateisha with some practical experience working within the health sector, which proved to be extremely valuable in securing her dream job at the Cancer Wellness Centre.
Prior to starting this role, Lateisha had attended more than 20 job interviews without success and explained the support she received from Souths Cares was vital in achieving her employment aspirations.
“Souths Cares provided that practical assistance to help me get over the line and land the job. Teressa (Souths Cares Employment Advisor) came with me to my first day of work and she stays in contact to make everything is going well,” Lateisha explained.
The timing was perfect for Lateisha, as she is expecting her first child in June this year.
“I’ve now got a fantastic job and career, a supportive workplace and my future is set for me and my family.”
Michael also had to overcome some challenges in the pursuit of employment, after he was kept out of work for a period of more than 12 months due to a health issue, which resulted in him requiring eye surgery.
However, Michael has overcome the challenges in front of him, securing an internship with Campbelltown Hospital, which then gave him the experience to help him obtain his first fulltime job as a courier driver, at Liverpool Hospital.
“I’ve got a great job here with Liverpool Hospital. Each day I’m at work at 6.30am, working hard and I couldn’t be happier,” Michael said.
Souths Cares Employment Advisor, Teressa O’Brien, was full of praise for both Lateisha and Micheal.
“I’m extremely proud of both these young people. It’s been a big 12 months for Lateisha and Michael and their persistence and hard work sets a great example for other Aboriginal young people in their community,” said Teressa.
The NCAP initiative has been facilitated by Souths Cares since 2015 and to date over 400 Aboriginal candidates have successfully gained employment.
New Careers for Aboriginal People is supported by the NSW Department of Industry.
