Disability Employment Services (DES)

We have many success stories, in all cases it has been our focus on the individual job seeker and their needs that is the key to our success.

Rodger’s Story

A client recently came to us after managing depressive symptoms for some period of time. As a consequence he had not worked for several years. He was well spoken, co-operative and keen to rejoin the workforce, however he lacked confidence in himself.

Rodger was assigned a Case Manager who worked with him to help develop an individualized career plan. We tapped into his strengths and interests and found that Rodger was keen to pursue employment within the University of Wollongong. Because Rodger possessed the right skills, an introduction was made between the University and Rodger. Following the introduction, a work trial was arranged in order gauge suitability for a career in this area.

After the completion of the work trial, feedback was obtained from the supervisor who stated that he had performed extremely well in the capacity of Client Services Officer. She advised that he had displayed an excellent work ethic as well as having exceeded their expectations in terms of efficiency and productivity. He took the initiative to apply for a vacancy within the university related to his skill set and was successful in winning the position...

Rodger is now employed on a full time basis at the University and attributes his success to the support he was given by Essential Personnel.

Following our routine support, we were advised that Rodger’s counselor was astounded by the positive change in him and attributes this to his regaining the work force. He commented that Essential Personnel has changed his life and that by having someone support and believe in you makes all the difference.

Josh’s Apprenticeship Story

Josh, a young aboriginal job seeker, has finally achieved in his long term aim of securing an apprenticeship in carpentry with a local construction company based in Wollongong.

EP Staff sought out the position and immediately compiled a resume to reflect Josh’s skills which all met the criteria for the job. He was then called for an interview and accompanied to the interview by EP Staff. Josh was successful in being given an opportunity for the position and had shown promise on site at work and staff echoed the opportunity Josh had as ‘life-changing’.

EP Staff helped develop a travel plan for Josh which outlined the importance of personal responsibility. Six weeks on Josh has achieved 100% attendance and through his effort on site the employer has decided to omit his trial period and offer him a four year apprenticeship.

There is every chance that Josh will now experience personal growth, maturity and independence with his achievements through employment. Such an example reiterates the importance of effective support and the determination by our job seekers to give their full commitment to every employment opportunity that arises.