Published: Dec 20, 2022
After Rhianon Campbell’s life was hit with a couple of curveballs, including ongoing COVID-19 restrictions for the hairdressing industry, she decided it was time to call it a day on cutting, colouring and styling hair and embark on a new career path.
“I’d worked in the industry for 16 years and while I really enjoyed the work, my body was starting to feel the effects of ‘hairdressing fatigue’ after standing on my feet all day,” Ms Campbell said.
“Then COVID hit which had a serious impact on the industry, so the time felt right to try something new and look at a career change.”
That’s when Ms Campbell approached not-for-profit employment services provider VERTO in Orange for advice and mentoring, a move she said has made the transition to a new job and industry, feel less overwhelming.
“At a time in my life when it would’ve been easy to pick up a pair of scissors again, VERTO encouraged me to explore other options and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Ms Campbell said.
“VERTO helped with resume development, educating me on my entitlements, programs and courses, and how to present to businesses to secure potential jobs and opportunities.
“From financial advisors to other friendly faces, everyone at VERTO has been so helpful. My mentor, Anthony Parkin, should be a motivational speaker! His enthusiasm and passion for those looking to enter the workforce is inspiring.
“And my Case Manager, Caitlyn Benton, who helped secure my employment, is always such a pleasure to work with,” Ms Campbell said.
VERTO found Ms Campbell a job as a receptionist at Orange’s Medical Acupuncture Injury Rehabilitation Clinic, and it’s been the fresh start she said arrived at just the right time in her life.
“I love my new job working as a medical receptionist. I’m learning about systems and processes on the job and so far it’s a really lovely working environment to be in,” she said.
“I think it’s also a good lesson for me and others who are thinking about taking a leap of faith and changing jobs – that change doesn’t have to feel insurmountable when you have the right support around you.”
VERTO Workforce Australia Regional Manager, Aimee McMillan, commended Ms Campbell for achieving her goals and having the courage to change careers.
“Rhianon is such a wonderful, determined and focused client to work with. We wish her all the very best as she embarks on her new career as medical receptionist,” she said.
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell believes Ms Campbell’s story should inspire job seekers that are looking for a career change to explore their options.
“It can be difficult and extremely daunting to change jobs and industries but Rhianon is proof that anything is possible, and help is at hand,” Mr Maxwell said.
“I’m proud that the highly skilled VERTO team in Orange were able to help Rhianon find work so quickly and support her as she transitioned into a new and exciting role that she is enjoying so much.”
If you are a job seeker, please reach out to VERTO’s experienced employment consultants for support on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786),
ABOUT VERTO
VERTO is a community owned, not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of apprenticeship, community support, employment and training services to assist individuals, employers and industries. We can be found in over 60 locations across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. For more information, visit verto.org.au.
