While bright and hard-working, long-term unemployment and self-confidence issues proved to be significant barriers to employment for Malia in her early 20s.
So, when she joined Sparkway in 2014, what she needed most was an opportunity.
Early on in her work as a cleaner, she expressed an interest in administrative work, so we helped her explore that by getting her a work experience placement in Sparkways' head office.
As she built hands-on experience in the role, learning the ins and outs of administration in a real work setting, we also supported her in applying for external administration roles, right down to helping her select an outfit for the interview.
With newfound confidence provided by her work experience and the help of our team, Malia was successful in landing an administration job with Jayco Caravans.
From there, Malia has grown from strength to strength, and has been able to use her role at Jayco Caravans as a platform for her next great leap – an accounting diploma that she has now almost finished.
Sparkways was the best thing to happen to me when I was younger, before I got the job with them, I was struggling to get into work, where I wanted to be, and not having any confidence.
I tried my hardest at the interview but I didn’t represent myself too well because I was extremely shy and didn’t really know what I was doing, but Clint saw past this and noticed I was trying hard and really wanted to get into the workforce.
While working for Sparkways, I got a real sense of achievement, and came out of my shell thanks to all of their support. I figured out what I wanted to do for a career and they encouraged me to keep trying!
During the two years I worked there, I met amazing people that helped me along my journey. I will always cherish my moments there and I made lifelong friends.
I couldn’t have done it without all of their support and encouragement.
I’m now the best person I can be and have achieved my goals.
13 June 2020
