Mission Australia places millionth job seeker

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis recently visited a Mission Australia client to congratulate him on finding work and announce that he is the millionth job placement made under the Job Services Australia (JSA) system.

Craig Armstead is a 29-year-old job seeker who had been registered with Mission Australia Employment Solutions for two years. Craig had been out of the workforce for an extended period of time due to anxiety and depression, as well as a sleep disorder. He felt socially isolated and disconnected from his community.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions staff at Maroondah in Melbourne worked with Craig to develop a tailored Employment Pathway Plan that would help him to overcome barriers to employment.

Mission Australia’s Employment Advisers identified that Craig had an interest in financial management and he agreed to complete a Certificate III in Financial Services.

A month ago, however, he made a breakthrough and started work with Calvary Silver Circle – a Melbourne-based not-for-profit community service organisation providing support to older people and people with disabilities.

Craig loves his new role because it allows him to use the skills he obtained through his financial services training, as well as applying his interest in the disability services sector. He says he loves his work, is gaining confidence, and feels he is overcoming his anxieties.

Ms Ellis said that Craig's inspiring story of overcoming significant personal challenges to find work, showed the transformative impact that having a job can have on a person's life. If you’re looking for a job, or if you’re looking for staff, Mission Australia Employment Solutions can help.

Image L to R: Newly employed Craig Armstead, Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis, Mission Australia Employment Advisor Courtney Ireland, and Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall.