Workforce Australia is the Australian Government’s employment services program, designed to connect job seekers with the support, training, and networks they need to enter or return to the workforce. AKG delivers these services with a focus on tailored, wraparound support—recognising that job-readiness often depends on more than just skills, but also confidence, wellbeing, and community connection. This is the story of Hayden, whose journey shows what’s possible when the right support comes together at the right time.
Facing Real Barriers
When Hayden joined AKG’s Workforce Australia program, he faced real barriers: limited formal education, little work experience, low confidence, and no clear sense of direction. It’s a familiar story for many jobseekers, and one that takes genuine, tailored support to change.
Building the Fundamentals
Our team started with the fundamentals: building a professional resume, teaching Hayden how to search and apply for jobs independently, and helping him put together quality applications. We enrolled him in a White Card course to open up more employment opportunities and connected him with the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Thrive Hub for work readiness and skills development—a great example of how AKG’s national network of partners helps build strong, practical foundations for the people we support.
Supporting Confidence and Wellbeing
Just as importantly, we connected Hayden with our Employment Health Services team. Confidence and mindset matter just as much as job-ready skills, and this integrated support helped him stay motivated through the setbacks along the way.
Persistence Pays Off
Hayden’s first two job applications weren’t successful, but backed by the right support, he stayed determined and secured a role on his third attempt. We provided work clothing to help him ease into the job and stayed in regular contact to keep him supported.
A Permanent Position and Growing Trust
Four months in, Hayden’s dedication and work ethic earned him a permanent position. He’s now trusted to train new employees and prepare machinery for daily operations, which is a real reflection of the confidence his employer has in him.
Paying It Forward
And the ripple effect doesn’t stop there: Hayden is now considering a Diploma of Community Services, with a long-term goal of helping others facing similar challenges.
This is what happens when job-ready skills, health and wellbeing support, and strong community partnerships come together. It creates more opportunity for individuals, stronger workforces for employers, and lasting impact for the wider community.
Congratulations, Hayden
Congratulations, Hayden. We’re proud to have supported you, and excited to see where your journey leads next.
