Barriers
At the age of 47, Sadia Baig faced significant hurdles as she sought employment in Australia. Having migrated from Pakistan in 2012, she struggled with lack of work history in her new country. She also lives with a spinal disorder and bursitis. With low motivation, low confidence, and concern about English as her second language, Sadia felt overwhelmed when seeking employment.
Approaching OCTEC
In early 2022, Sadia connected with OCTEC Disability Employment Services in Auburn, Central Western Sydney. There, she met Consultant Nigel Singh.
Nigel noted her friendly character, Bachelor’s Degree in Science, and her role as a full-time caregiver. While her previous experiences as a mother did not translate to formal work, Nigel saw the valuable skills she had developed through managing home responsibilities.
To help Sadia overcome her barriers, Nigel focused on leveraging her strengths. He connected her to the local Pakistani community, where she felt a sense of belonging.
Finding the right job
Nigel introduced Sadia to Copper Handi Restaurant, a well-known establishment that celebrated her native cuisine. Sadia had fond memories of dining there, and the connection felt personal. With Nigel’s guidance, the owner discovered Sadia’s passion for food and her cultural background, leading to the creation of an entry-level assistant kitchenhand position tailored just for her.
The path to employment was not without its challenges. Sadia faced rejections and felt discouraged at times, especially given her long-term unemployment. However, Nigel’s support made a significant difference. He arranged mock interviews and provided training on presentation strategies to prepare Sadia for the fast-paced environment of the restaurant industry.
Once Sadia secured her position, OCTEC continued to offer support. Nigel maintained weekly contact with both her and the employer, monitoring her progress and ensuring she felt comfortable in her new role.
Feedback from the restaurant owner highlighted Sadia’s reliability and her ability to connect with customers in their native language. He expressed gratitude for having found someone from the community who was not only skilled but also passionate about helping others.
Sadia now loves working in a job that allows her to express her cultural passion and cooking skills.
“Nigel understands my medical condition and has connected me to a job that I love. I work in a kitchen serving food from my native home Pakistan. This food brings me closer to people from my community, and food brings us all together. Thank you, Nigel, for creating this job with my community for me.”
Sadia Baig
If you live with a disability, illness, or injury and are looking for work, please feel free to reach out to your local employment specialists for assistance.