Wissam - the Driven Dreamer Afford Employment has been working with Wissam to develop his skills, build his confidence and support him to achieve his goal of working as a security guard. For some time, Wissam has experienced personal and work challenges which have affected his motivation and confidence. As a mature aged jobseeker with limited English, Wissam sought help from an Afford Employment Consultant in Bankstown because he had felt a drive to work and contribute to his family and his community, but could not overcome the barriers to employment in his way. Fluent in Arabic, Wissam’s Afford Employment Consultant, Amar, worked closely with him discuss his previous experience as a factory hand, identify his strengths, and look for the best paths to help him succeed in becoming a security guard.
unique abilities for each role. Wissam’s Afford consultant helped him apply for security roles that not only suited his daily routine, but also took into consideration his cultural preferences for work environments. In late 2016, Wissam applied for a security position with a well known company. The employer requested that Wissam attend the interview on his own. Calling on all that he had learnt about the interview process through role playing and discussions with his Employment Consultant, Wissam attended the interview and confidently communicated his abilities, strengths and work aspirations.
Amar assisted Wissam with online job applications, developing a resume that highlighted his special abilities, interview techniques and also attended on-site job searches with Wissam.
With the individualised support of Afford Employment, Wissam secured the role with the security company for 15 hours a week and continues to enjoy the atmosphere and meaningful work it offers.
Role playing was an important part of Afford’s support that helped Wissam get a sense of the questions that may be asked during interviews and some of the expectations of employers. This process also highlighted ways in which Wissam could talk about his
Since partnering with Afford Employment, Wissam has become more confident to speak and respond in English, discuss his ideas and preferences in detail, is more open and bubbly in character and is enjoying his dream role as a security guard.
www.afford.com.au
55
