When Brendan, a proud Wiradjuri man who grew up on Darug Country, first started with WISE, he was facing challenges in gaining employment. Specifically, he was struggling with the digital elements of applying for jobs.
“I’m 50 now, and my computer skills and understanding of the internet was really lacking. It made it really difficult for me to find and apply for jobs… I come from a time when you could just go and meet someone.
“I felt like I was missing out on jobs that I could have done just because I couldn’t get past those barriers,” says Brendan.
Brendan had a long history of truck driving, however he didn’t wish to return to the industry as he felt it was isolating. During the Covid pandemic, he worked in a testing clinic in a hospital where he helped with screening people, and expressed to the WISE team that he would like another role where he could work around people.
“I really enjoyed my role at the hospital, and just talking to such a broad spectrum of people. It was like a breath of fresh air… it made me remember who I am.”
Employment Partner Tonia said that while Brendan always remained positive in his job search, she noticed his confidence start to decline as the search continued.
“When Brendan first came to WISE, I always knew he was cheeky… we had a great rapport, but I sensed a bit of a dip in him after a few months of unemployment.
“We helped with a digital literacy course, so that he’d be more comfortable with applying for jobs online,” Tonia says.
“WISE assisted with everything: new work boots, a railway course, forklift licensing, computer literacy courses… they really did everything they could. They just kept turning up for me,” says Brendan.
Brendan and Tonia’s hard work paid off in October of 2024, when Brendan was offered a job with Meals on Wheels. A year later, and Brendan said that working as part of a team has made him feel like himself again.
“The team I work in now is a real mix of people… there’s men and women of all ages. It’s a really positive environment.
“I feel really valued – I’m starting to rub off on people at work, and I’m known as the happy person. It makes me feel really good… I feel like I’ve got my personality back.”
Tonia said that finding Brendan a job wasn’t just about ticking a box. She knew that they needed to find a workplace where Brendan could thrive.
“As an Employment Partner, you really try and get to know your participants so you know what they need.
It’s not just about employment, it’s so much more. It’s self-esteem and self-worth, wrapped up in a job,” Tonia says.
After a year of working in his role, Brendan reflects on the difference that WISE has made in his life.
“I’d probably still be unemployed if it wasn’t for Tonia. WISE paired me with things we knew I could do. I never felt like a number. I could tell that Tonia really really cared.
“It feels like I’ve got so much more independence now that I’m employed. I can get a haircut, buy shoes, buy food and groceries. I don’t have to worry about not having enough money. I’ve gone to four concerts this year! After being unemployed, it’s made me realise how lucky I am to have a job, and be able to work.”
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