The team at VERTO is constantly inspired by the ability of our Indigenous job seekers to overcome adversity, turn their lives around and find employment. Bradley Flick, 42, is one such person.
When Bradley came to VERTO in early 2018 he had been out of the workforce for almost seven years. Bradley had spent this time caring for his ill mother, and was keen to get back into work. As an Indigenous client, an opportunity arose for Bradley to apply for an employment program, Resourcing the Future, run by Diversity Dimensions in Partnership with Woolworths. This program involves matching potential employers and job seekers, allowing the two to work together for a period of time, with the aim of securing ongoing employment if there is a match.
Woolworths has partnered with Diversity Dimensions to deliver a tailored approach to engage and employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders into their business and create meaningful and sustainable employment for the community.
In Bradley’s case, he undertook theoretical and practical training while completing work experience with Woolworths. Woolworths has been a huge supporter of the Diversity Dimensions program.
At the end of the program, Bradley was offered a part time paid position. He has now been a team member for five months and is loving his new role. “The program was great, and I now love going to work,” Bradley said.
Store Manager for Woolworths Bathurst City store, Michael Toholke said, “Bradley has shown great personal growth in his time employed with Woolworths. Brad came on board and was apprehensive about his ability to perform the tasks required, and how he would integrate himself into the team.
“Brad has cemented his position within the business during his time with us becoming a reliable, punctual and contributing member of our team. His desire to be successful in his role by seeking feedback and utilising the knowledge of those around him has helped us guide Brad to become the valued team member he is. Brad has taken the challenges of our business in his stride and continues to grow both personally and professionally,” Michael said.
VERTO’s Team Leader, Stacey Callan, said VERTO was proud to see Indigenous men in the local Bathurst community do themselves and their families proud.
“Bradley’s resilience, ability to get back into the workforce and to become financially independent is a credit to his strength of character,” Miss Callan said.
“I’m so proud to have been a part of his journey and to see him grow to be a role model for young Indigenous men in the local area.”
Woolworths also employed two other fantastic team members from the community with Bradley in the program. Store Manager for Woolworths Bathurst City store, Michael Toholke says both Halley Maree Kane and Stormy Rae Whalan are also excellent team members and are doing extremely well alongside Bradley.
For more information about the Australian Government’s jobactive program, or how the VERTO team can help you, call 1300 4 VERTO, visit verto.org.au or find us on Facebook.
