Meeting Scott for the first time, you’d never realise he’s overcome so many barriers to employment. His welcoming demeanour, willingness to share stories, and the strong rapport he shares with his boss immediately put you at ease, as if you’ve known him for years.
It’s almost unbelievable that just a few months ago, Scott grappled with despair, battling anxiety and depression while struggling to provide shelter and food for his family.
Scott, a proud Coffs Harbour local and devoted father of two, is an exemplary employee. However, two years ago, he endured a debilitating workplace injury that left him with three popped vertebrae and significant nerve damage. His road to recovery spanned a gruelling year of intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Eventually, after relentless effort, Scott managed to re-enter the workforce. He was connected with two recruitment companies through his workers’ compensation, one in Sydney and another in Brisbane. These opportunities were hundreds of kilometres away from Coffs Harbour and didn’t align with Scott’s personal work preferences, nearly extinguishing his hope. Feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt took over, leaving him believing he could never adequately provide for his family.
Having been a previous customer of ETC, Scott eagerly reconnected with ETC, knowing they could help. “Being unemployed was a terrible experience,” Scott admitted. “It was frustrating, infuriating, and it made me feel incredibly low, sad, and angry.”
With a bit of guidance from ETC’s Disability Employment Services program and through its extensive network of local business contacts, ETC swiftly matched Scott with a suitable employer and introduced him to Daniel at Pharo Cleaning.
Daniel, the Pharo Cleaning Services Coffs Harbour branch manager, had diligently expanded the business from just three employees to ten in a mere 18 months, making it the perfect time to introduce Scott. “Since our first meeting, I’ve witnessed nothing but a can-do attitude from Scott during his interview,” Daniel remarked. “He’s consistently reliable, punctual, and displays remarkable initiative.”
Scott initially joined as a part-time employee but quickly proved his value to Daniel and the company and was soon offered a full-time position. “I want to see Scott continue achieving success and become more confident in client interactions. Ultimately, I envision him as my right-hand person,” Daniel expressed.
Pharo Cleaning, an environmentally conscious cleaning services provider, has been serving the Coffs Coast for over a decade, reflecting its commitment to both its employees and the community.
ETC Recruitment Advisor Georgina said, “Scott’s worldview of being open to accepting help in the midst of the challenges he’s been faced with is really what has allowed him to succeed and receive everything he has now. ETC wants people to succeed and when our clients believe it’s possible, that’s when magic happens. I’ve genuinely enjoyed working with Scott. We’ve had many laughs and many vulnerable chats on the road to success.”
“Mentally, I am in a great space right now. There are no financial issues I am worried about now. My home life is a lot better, and I am a lot happier!” said Scott.
Call our friendly DES team on 1800 007 400 or fill out the Enquire Now form on this page.
ETC provides Disability Employment Services (DES) in QLD’s Gold Coast and the NSW regions of North Coast and Mid North Coast. To see if this service is delivered by ETC in your area, view our locations page – Find your closest ETC site >
You can also find a full list of providers across Australia on jobaccess.gov.au
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