For many years, Kim Hunter worked in the disability sector as a Support Team Leader, where she used her own personal experiences of living with disability to provide support to others across the disability sector more broadly. However, following a move out of metropolitan Melbourne to regional Victoria, just outside of Shepparton, Kim found herself looking for new employment and needing support.
Like many Australians who have made the transition to regional and rural parts of the country in the last three years throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim was unsure where to start to find meaningful and sustainable work in her new community – which is why she reached out to atWork Australia.
“I knew the transition would be difficult, particularly as I live with a mobility aid – but I wasn’t going to let that stop me or get in the way of a new opportunity in my new home,” said Kim.
With the help of atWork Australia, Kim was able to explore different ways to build on her years of experience to help open new doors to meaningful work. Through an existing relationship with the federally funded Industry Training Hub, Shepparton, atWork Australia was able to explore an opportunity for Kim to undertake a fully funded place in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40166). A course funded by the Industry Training Hub to address the skill shortages in trainers and assessors across the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
“Undertaking the Certificate IV qualification would enable Kim to use her skills in the disability sector more broadly to train others,” said Lisa Kerr, Career Facilitator, Shepparton Industry Training Hub.
“Kim is a fantastic, passionate Team Leader but we needed to think outside the square to find her next role that suited her significant capabilities and most importantly, find something Kim is passionate about. We are proud to work alongside other federally funded projects like the Industry Training Hub, Shepparton, to support clients like Kim to meet their training and employment goals,” said Brad Broadhurst Job Coach, atWork Australia.
Following this training, atWork Australia proudly supported Kim to secure her a new role at GoTafe Shepparton as an Equitable Learning Support Lead.
“I feel so confident now in my new role especially after completing my training. It wouldn’t have happened without atWork Australia. I would never have even attempted to do something like this before. It made me feel good that someone could help me to see my strengths and the things I’m capable of,” said Kim.
At atWork Australia, we recognise the importance of investing in employee learning and development and the benefits this can have not only to the individual but the businesses they are employed in. That is why we provide pre-employment practical help in addition to In-Work Support for long term employment.
