Introducing Our New Test and Tag Social Enterprise
A Conversation with Lois Dillon
At Success Works, we are always seeking practical and sustainable ways to create employment opportunities for women impacted by the criminal legal system. This year, we proudly launched our newest initiative, the Test and Tag Social Enterprise.
This new venture has been designed to bridge the gap between training and long-term employment. It provides paid, structured work while building skills, confidence, and professional credibility.
We sat down with staff member Lois Dillon, Social Enterprise and Employment Liaison Manager, to learn more about the vision behind this initiative and what it means for the women we support.
With more than 12 years of experience across community services, the criminal legal system, and social enterprise development, Lois has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to employment. The launch of Test and Tag is a powerful continuation of that work.
Q: Lois, for those who are new to the concept, what is Test and Tag?
Lois: Test and Tag is the process of visually inspecting, electrically testing, and tagging portable electrical equipment to confirm it’s safe to use. It involves checking for damage, testing the item with specialised equipment, recording the results, and attaching a tag that shows its status. Regular Test and Tag helps businesses meet electrical safety obligations and reduces the risk of faults or accidents. Our service takes care of the entire process, ensuring your equipment is compliant, safe, and professionally documented.
Q: Why did Success Works choose Test and Tag as a social enterprise?
Lois: We chose Test and Tag because it’s a practical, confidence‑building skill that creates genuine employment pathways for women. It’s a recognised service that businesses rely on, and learning it gives our participants the chance to work hands‑on in a supportive environment – often for the first time. It’s incredibly empowering to master something tangible and immediately useful, and it helps women step into the workforce with skills that are trusted and in demand.
Q: You have a long history of working with people impacted by the criminal legal system. How did that shape this program?
Lois: My background gave me a very clear understanding of what someone needs when they are trying to rebuild their lives. Many want to work, they just have not had the opportunity, the support, or a recent reference. I have seen many women gain confidence when they are trusted to learn something new. That is what inspired me to build this type of social enterprise and bring it to Success Works.
Q: You identified a gap in the Job Ready Program that led to a major change. Can you tell us about that?
Lois: Yes. We saw that many women completed our workshops and were motivated, skilled, and ready, but they still struggled to secure their first role. The main reasons were lack of recent work experience and no current reference. To bridge this gap, we created paid employment inside the Test and Tag enterprise. It means we can hire the women who complete our training, give them real workplace experience, and support them for up to twelve months.
Q: What does this paid employment look like for participants?
Lois: When we hire participants, they get hands on Test and Tag experience in a safe and supportive workplace. They learn workplace routines, communication skills, safety expectations, and teamwork. Most importantly, they build confidence. By the end of their time with us, they have real experience to put on their resume and they have a reference from Success Works. That is often the turning point that helps them step into long term employment.
Q: How does this experience support their growth and confidence?
Lois: The biggest shift we see is belief in themselves. Many women enter the program feeling unsure or worn down by past experiences. When they complete their first testing task or record their first compliant tag, the pride is visible. They realise they can do this. They can learn new skills. They can show up to work and succeed. That confidence is priceless.
Q: Do you have any stories that stand out to you?
Lois: Absolutely. There are women who started the program very quietly, unsure about their abilities. Within a few weeks they were completing compliance checks on their own and helping others learn. Some had never had a professional reference in their life and now have one. These moments matter. They are reminders that opportunity can change everything.
Q: What do you hope to see for the future of the program?
Lois: In the future, I want to see this program grow across regional areas and become the leading Test and Tag service in our sector. The more we expand, the more women we can employ and support into stable, meaningful work. There is enormous potential in women who simply need a chance and a supportive pathway. My goal is to build a service that not only delivers exceptional safety outcomes for businesses, but also creates real, long‑term opportunities for women to thrive.
Closing Thoughts
Speaking with Lois makes it clear why the Test and Tag Social Enterprise has been such an important addition to Success Works. It fills a vital gap by combining training, paid employment, practical experience, and ongoing support. Most importantly, it gives women impacted by the criminal legal system the chance to build their confidence and step into work with pride.
With leaders like Lois guiding the way, we know this is only the beginning of what is possible.
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