A Candidate Story: Taylor

Taylor has gone from being a Success Works Candidate to getting her dream job. She now shares her valuable lived experience with other Candidates as one of our volunteer mentors. She tells us, “If I hadn’t found Success Works, I believe I would have struggled to find the confidence to put myself out there and gain employment. I learnt that my past does not define me or my worth, and that really helped me to get to where I am today.” You can read Taylor’s interview below.

Can you tell us about your employment background?

Prior to finding out about Success Works, I hadn’t had stable employment. Writing resumes was stressful as I looked at the short employment periods and the large gaps between employment. I had never had a career, most of my jobs were filler jobs that didn’t use any of my hands on skills that I use now. I worked in administration, fast food, retail, call centres and data entry among other things. My longest length of employment was less than year.

How did you hear about Success Works?

After I had my son, I decided I wanted to properly establish a career, and set a good example for my son. I reached out anonymously on some community Facebook pages, and someone mentioned Success Works. I got the contact details and called them up.

How has Success Works helped you?

Success Works has really helped me realise my worth and potential. I learnt many skills that helped me achieve my goals, in not only helping me gain employment, but keep employment.  I went through the mentoring program, and my mentor helped me discover what I truly enjoyed and the kind of work I would excel at. We worked towards finding courses that would help me prepare for the field I wanted to go into, and Success Works helped me complete necessary certificates such as a White Card so that I could get into the construction industry.  All the people I have worked with have also helped me to be accountable and stay focused on the goal. They would check in and ask about any progress I had made and helped liaise with potential employers and streamlined meetings to discuss risk assessments etc in regards to gaining employment. 

What would you have done if you did not find Success Works?  

If I hadn’t found Success Works, I believe I would have struggled to find the confidence to put myself out there and gain employment. I learnt that my past does not define me or my worth, and that really helped me to get to where I am today.

How important is it to you to have a job?

Having a job is really important to me. I grew up in a family where neither of parents worked legitimately, we struggled with so much, including buying school uniforms and be able to participate in outside activities. I promised myself, no matter what life throws at me, I will be a good role model for my son, and make sure he is able to enjoy life without being worried about Mum not being able to put food on the table. I also want him to know that things don’t come easy, and there is no free ride in life.

Are you currently doing the type of work you want to do?

Definitely! I am doing my dream job, I have always wanted something hands on, and mechanically/mathematically minded. I have that and more. I also have the most supportive employer who help me enormously through the trials and tribulations of work, as well as life in general. 

How did you find the Success Works Mentor Program?

I found the mentoring program very helpful! It made me more accountable for my future, as each meeting we came up with a goal or a to do list of things to do before we spoke again. Each time we would recap and go over what we discussed, and I could ask for advice or feedback on my progress. 

My mentor was fantastic, so non-judgemental and made me feel like it was a safe space. I know I had no obligation to share personal or past things with her, but I felt safe to and was able to get more personalised feedback that helped me to understand and use to help me. 

Do you have any advice you would like to share with other women seeking support from Success Works?

If you identify as a female, who has been impacted by the justice system, I would highly recommend reaching out and having a chat. If you need someone to give guidance or help you through the next stages of not only employment, but your future – speak to the ladies at SW, they will help you change your life for the better.  But also, prepare to do the work as well, it’s not a free ticket to success, you need to put in the effort. These women spend their life trying to help others and you can’t help anyone who doesn’t want it, so commit, be ready to change your life and get excited for your future. 

From your personal experience with Success Works, is there any other support services we can offer women?

I think SW offers so much to women and are doing a great job. Even if they don’t advertise a specific thing, you can speak to these women, and they will try and help you however they can. I’m so proud of all the people who make the wheels turn at SW and so excited for their continuing journey. 

What made you decide to become a Success Works Mentor?

The main reason I decided to become a Success Works Mentor myself is to try and help make a difference in someone’s life. Success Works Mentoring really helped me discover skills that has made me successful today. I have learnt that even because of my past, I am not less worthy to be able to help someone. There are so many barriers in gaining work that I could do to help someone, but Success Works would never judge me for that.  I also feel as though as I could help a woman one day, who may relate to me and see that success is possible, that life is valuable and there is so much opportunity if you allow yourself to go for it.  Being able to help someone in any capacity, is the best gift you can give, and to be able to pay that forward to someone else is so special.