Single-minded MatchWorks strategy a winner
01 October 2008
Changing jobs can be intimidating at the best of times. To a parent who has been busy raising a child on their own and out of the workforce for several years, finding paid employment can represent an almost overwhelming challenge.
However, new Welfare to Work laws mean many single-parents are now required to actively look for, and accept, employment for the first time in years.
Recognising the obstacles these parents could face when returning to work – and the lack of training programs and support systems in place to assist them - a dedicated group of MatchWorks employees developed a unique program aimed at building job-seekers’ self-esteem, confidence and skills.
A group of 29 Geelong single parents were selected to join the pilot MatchWorks program; designed specifically to support job-seekers and place them in flexible, family-friendly employment.
MatchWorks also worked with employers; promoting the advantages of employing single parents.
A number of industries with skills shortages and flexible work conditions were identified, such as retail, hospitality, aged care and call centre work, and job-seekers were provided with appropriate training and equipment.
MatchWorks general manager Michael Wasley said program-participants initially appeared apprehensive about returning to work, and expressed concerns about employer expectations and child care.
However, by the end of the four week program most participants felt more confident and were genuinely excited about the prospect of returning to work, he said.
Corio single mother, Rosa Aceski, said the MatchWorks program gave her the confidence to apply for positions and the belief she had a chance of getting them.
"MatchWorks actually took the time to ask me what I wanted and made sure it would fit around caring for my eight year-old son," Rosa said.
The program lead to a part-time job with Geelong’s Pink Gerbera Cleaning in Geelong and, later, a full-time, office job with a family-friendly receivables company.
With 23 of the program’s 29 participants starting work straight after finishing the course and the other four people enrolling in further education, the program had proved a great success, Mr Wasley said.
"It’s examples like these that really make you proud to come to work each day,’’ he said. "The staff involved should feel really positive to have made such a difference in the lives of these parents.’’