Work for the Dole Program leads to a winning outcome for Indigenous youth

Work for the Dole (WfD) places job seekers in activities where they can gain skills and experience that give back to the community and can help them find a job.

Alvin Kan the General Manager at Sawtell Golf Club hoped to create an awareness of the program and its many benefits for both job seekers and employers.

“I think a lot of people don’t see the opportunities with Work for the Dole. It gives you a chance to get your foot in the door and show an employer what you are capable of,” Mr Kan said.

“ETC helped us with our WfD program and from this we found someone who was really friendly and very hard working.”

According to Mr Kan local youth Daniel McKechnie worked at the club for just over three weeks when they offered him a permanent role.

“We could see that Daniel really enjoyed the work and was enthusiastic. A position became available and so we decided to take him on as an apprentice greenkeeper,” Mr Kan said.

“ETC made the process really easy for us. They organised all of the paperwork and the apprenticeship sign-up. I was very impressed with their service.”

Daniel said he came into work early each day and worked hard to prove himself to the club.

“This was the type of work that I really wanted to do. I love working outdoors and with nature. It’s good to be out in the fresh air and to work with good people,” Daniel said.

“This is my first full time job and it’s great to have the reliable work and income. It helps with my life situation at the moment and it’s great that I get a qualification at the end as well.”

“My friends and family are all proud of me.”

Daniel had struggled to find fulltime employment before the WfD program and was in and out of jobs just trying to get whatever he could.

“I worked at a few pubs etc but couldn’t get anything promising. ETC gave me a real confidence boost – they helped a lot with getting this job,” Daniel said.

“Now I’m lucky to have one of the most multi-skilled apprenticeships out there – learning about machinery, chemicals, plumbing and horticulture.”

Work for the Dole activities can be hosted by not-for-profit organisations and government agencies. The programme gives organisations an extra set of hands to help to undertake activities that would not normally be done. To find out more information, contact your local jobactive provider ETC on 1800 007 400.