Business and job seeker on the right PaTH together

What would you do if you had a staff member on leave with no one to fill in? Thanks to Youth Jobs PaTH, Gloucester Home Modifications were able to get someone to help out and were so impressed they hired him as a part-time employee.

“Our office lady got sick, so I needed to be in the office – which left our main tradesman on his own. He needed someone to give him a hand out in the field,” said GHM Project Manager Tony Tersteeg.

Local employment service provider ETC recommended young tradie Paddy to help out as part of the Youth Jobs PaTH internship program.

“Initially Paddy spent four weeks with us – which was a great opportunity to see whether he would fit in here and of course to see if it was right for him too. We didn’t have to pay him during this time either which was a great advantage to us,” said Mr Tersteeg.

“We’ve been really happy with Paddy so we’re keeping  him on for another six months part-time and then if all goes well, he will have a permanent job with us after that. We’ll also help him to finish his Carpentry Apprenticeship. This has been a win-win situation for both us and Paddy.”

According to Mr Tersteeg, job opportunities within his business are fairly rare.

“We already have three long term-employees. I’ve been with the company for 24 years, our main tradesman just had long service leave and office lady is well overdue for her long service leave,” he said.

“Now with having Paddy on board, we can service more clients in the area.”

Starting back in 1989, the partially government funded organisation aims to keep local elderly and disabled in their own homes by providing home modification and maintenance services, and selling disability aids.

“Being in the business is extremely rewarding for us – It’s more than a job, it’s helping someone’s father or mother stay near family and friends in a comfortable and safe environment,” said Mr Tersteeg.

Mr Tersteeg thanked ETC and the PaTH Internship Program for helping his business.

“Tracey at ETC has been fantastic. Nothing’s ever too difficult. She’s taken us step-by-step through the process,” he said.

Youth Jobs PaTH is an Australian Government initiative to support young people to gain the skills and work experience they need to get and keep a job.

Employers benefit because you get to see firsthand how a potential new recruit is going to fit in your workplace, during a 4-12 week internship placement. You may also receive up to $10,000 in financial assistance when you hire an eligible young person.

For more information about Youth Jobs PaTH visit https://etcltd.com.au/employers/youth-jobs-path/ or contact ETC on 1800 007 400.

ETC is proud to be one of the jobactive providers that has helped place one million job seekers into work since July 2015.