For Caine Workman, finding the right job wasn’t just about getting back into the workforce. It was about finding something sustainable, meaningful, and suited to his life now and his growing family.
At 29 and living in Jimboomba, Caine joined VERTO’s Inclusive Employment Australia program in December 2025 after being out of work for over a year. Having spent most of his career in labour-intensive roles involving heavy lifting, ongoing back issues, specifically spondylosis, which he has managed for more than two years, meant those types of jobs were no longer an option.
“I’d always done hands-on, physical work,” Caine said. “But with my back, I knew I couldn’t go back to that. I needed something that was going to work long-term.”
With a baby on the way, the pressure to find a role that would truly suit his needs, not just any job, was real.
That’s where VERTO’s Inclusive Employment Australia program played a key role. Designed to support people with disability, injury or health conditions, the program provides tailored support to help individuals find employment that aligns with their abilities, goals and circumstances.
Working alongside Employment Consultant Janelle Maxey, Caine started by building a resume from scratch. It meant revisiting his work history, tracking down details and presenting his experience in a way that reflected his skills.
“Caine was incredibly driven,” Janelle shared. “He was proactive, stayed in regular contact, and really committed to getting himself back into work. Once his resume was finalised, he was ready to promote himself.”
With fresh copies in hand, Caine approached local businesses and introduced himself in person. One of those visits led him to Oasis Landscaping and Building Supplies, just around the corner from home.
“They gave me a trial on the spot,” Caine said. “I just wanted the chance to prove myself.”
With support from VERTO, including specialised work boots suited to his needs, PPE and a fuel card to assist with travel in his first week, Caine secured a casual role as a delivery truck driver in February 2026.
The role has been well suited to his circumstances, involving the use of automatic vehicles and equipment designed to minimise physical strain, allowing him to work safely without the heavy lifting required in his previous roles.
“The team’s been really supportive and understanding,” Caine said. “They’ve worked around what I can and can’t do, and I feel comfortable there. Plus, there’s always a bit of banter. It makes the day go quicker.”
Caine has also drawn on his past experience as a fabricator, helping convert a shipping container into a display space on-site, something his employer has been highly impressed with.
Now, discussions are already underway about upgrading his truck licence, opening up further opportunities for growth.
For Caine, being part of the Inclusive Employment Australia program has been key, not just in finding a job, but in finding a role that works for him long-term.
As he prepares for the arrival of his baby, Caine is feeling confident, settled and optimistic about what lies ahead, proof that with the right support, the right opportunities can follow.
For more information about the Inclusive Employment Australia program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/inclusive-employment-australia.
