Barriers
Before Ashlyn Blake came to OCTEC’s Jobs Victoria service in Pakenham, she was timid, shy and unable to find work.
Approaching OCTEC
Then she met her new OCTEC Mentor, Maree Leonard. Wasting no time, they set to work looking for jobs that matched Ashlyn’s skills and interests. It only took a few days.
Hertz Car Rentals Mulgrave Manager, Leanne Cartledge, had been looking for staff for 18 months, with very little success. She had tried many recruitment avenues to no avail. Then she was contacted by Maree.
Maree sent Ashlyn’s resume to Leanne. Although Ashlyn didn’t have experience in car rentals, Leanne could see that she had transferrable skills and Maree spoke highly of Ashlyn’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Leanne wanted to meet Ashlyn.
Ashlyn received a call from Maree to say she had found a suitable vacancy and had arranged for an interview. Ashlyn was anxious about the interview, and wasn’t sure she wanted to go ahead; it was all quite daunting for her. But Maree made time to spend with Ashlyn, workshopping the interview process and role-playing various questions and answers.
On the morning of the interview, Maree contacted Ashlyn to make sure she was relaxed and ready. Ashlyn later reflected that this positive mentoring made all the difference.
Securing employment
Ashlyn was offered the position at Hertz Mulgrave just a couple of weeks after she started with OCTEC Jobs Victoria Packenham. She was amazed at how quickly it all happened.
Maree continued to be there for Ashlyn, encouraging and mentoring her after she commenced as part of OCTEC’s comprehensive Post Placement Support program.
More than three months after commencing, Ashlyn is thriving in the role and Leanne appreciates her as a “valuable team member”.
“Ashlyn was quite shy and timid at first however as her confidence grew she has proved that she can be an exceptional Customer Service Representative,” Leanne said recently. “I am sure with the correct guidance and mentoring I can see Ashlyn progressing with our company in the years to come.”
Leanne added, “The whole experience of working with Maree at OCTEC, to find the correct candidate, has been seamless. I will certainly be speaking to Maree for any future vacancies we may have.”
Ashlyn greatly enjoys her new job, and appreciates Maree calling regularly to check that everything is going well and to ask if there is anything she can do.
“Maree has gone above and beyond to help me, and I just want to say thank you to her. The fact that Maree was able to get me a job so quickly was amazing – to say I’m forever grateful would be an understatement! Maree is amazing and I recommend her to all my friends and family looking for jobs!”
If you’re in Victoria and have been unemployed for six months or more, OCTEC Jobs Victoria can help you overcome barriers to finding work. Reach out today to start your journey back to employment!