Growing up, you would always find Dean working on his family’s cars. “I just liked tinkering around the cars, it was something I really enjoyed,” Dean said.
Dean put this passion into action and after participating in the Australian Government’s Youth Jobs PaTH Internship, he is now working towards achieving a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology through an Australian Apprenticeship.
Prior to this, finding a job was harder than he had anticipated in his hometown of Lake Bolac in Victoria.
“It was frustrating as I was looking for months and months and wasn’t getting anywhere.”
That all changed when he met with his local employment services provider, Sureway. They connected with Suggy’s Automotive and Trailer Hire, which took Dean on as an intern through the Youth Jobs PaTH program.
More than an hour drive away, in Stawell, it was a big move for Dean, but he took the chance.
“When Dean was first offered the internship, he was a little hesitant as he was from the small country town,” Sureway consultant Carli Milkins said.
“Once I worked with Dean and was able to find stable accommodation for him, he relaxed and was able to really focus on the internship as he knew distance was no longer an issue for him.”
“As Dean only had his L plates at the time the internship was offered, I organised driving lessons and paid for Dean’s hazards and driving tests. Dean successfully passed his driving test and obtained his licence just before the start of the internship.” Carli said.
Over his 12-week internship, Suggy’s owner Aaron Resuggan was impressed with Dean’s progress and his decision to go ahead with the internship was made even easier with support through the Australian Government’s Employment Fund.
Financial assistance was offered so Suggy’s could purchase Dean’s work clothes, boots and tools so he could successfully complete the internship.
“Dean presented himself with a willing to learn attitude. His dedication made it an easy choice to offer him an apprenticeship,” Aaron said.
Aaron said the assistance provided through JobKeeper during the COVID-19 pandemic had also helped them keep Dean on their books. “The $10,000 wage subsidy helped me with onboarding Dean. The Supporting Apprenticeship and Trainees subsidy also really helped me with payments during this difficult COVID period.”
As for Dean, he is going from strength to strength as an apprentice.
“I’ve been able to work now on something I love, and I hope my apprenticeship at Suggy’s opens more opportunities for me in the future,” Dean said.
