A person exiting the justice system, known as John*, has been able to transform their life through training and employment, after learning about Job Reconnect while nearing the end of their prison sentence at a regional corrective services facility.
John heard about the program through the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) employment services, which are active within WA prisons.
While in prison, John researched, contacted and connected with an employer in the State’s mining industry, who was willing to employ him as a Trades Assistant following his release.
John worked with the DoJ employment coordinator to access training courses through Job Reconnect, to ensure he had the skills needed for the job.
“The program enabled me to do a Dogging, Rigging and Gas Testing course as soon as I was released so I could get up to the Pilbara and start work,” John said.
“The training was good, professional and to the point.
“The employment coordinator from Department of Justice made all the arrangements, which made the experience easy and simple.”
John said the training has made a huge difference to his life and was key to stepping back into the workforce.
“The training has helped me to be pro-social and a functioning member of society.”
For other Western Australians facing similar challenges with getting back into the workforce, John says it’s about ‘giving it a go’.
“Don’t let your past mistakes hold you back, instead learn from them, grab that next chance, make realistic goals and don’t stop working until you reach them.
“Don’t be afraid to take the help provided by the Job Reconnect program – it makes a big difference!”
Since John took up work with his employer in September 2023, he has jumped at every opportunity to upskill and has recently got his ticket to become a scaffolder and a gantry crane operator.
He has also been elected by his crew to be their safety representative.
Find out more about Job Reconnect here
*Participant name changed for privacy reasons