Finding Work Archives

Navigating the Evolving Australian Job Market in 2024:

Skills, Support, and Success with TURSA

The Australian job market is constantly evolving, and 2024 promises exciting opportunities alongside new challenges. While employment growth might slow in the short term, it paves the way for a more focused skill development and collaboration landscape. For job seekers with barriers to employment, navigating this landscape might seem daunting, but the path to success remains bright with the proper support.

Emerging Trends and Evolving Needs:

Shifting Focus: 2024 sees a shift towards industries like healthcare, particularly mental health, technology, and construction. There is a rising demand for roles in nursing, software development, and trades.

Upskilling Imperative: As automation and technological advancements reshape the workforce, upskilling and reskilling will become crucial. Adapting your skillset to meet industry demands will be vital to securing a fulfilling role.

Collaboration Counts: Building strong partnerships with community support services is a stronger focus than ever for organisations like Tursa Employment & Training. These partnering organisations specialise in tailoring skills development and job search strategies to individual needs. They are creating a more holistic and outcome-driven approach and empowering job seekers to overcome barriers and thrive in the evolving market.

TURSA: Your Partner in Evolving Careers:

Recognising these changing trends, TURSA actively adapts its services to empower job seekers with diverse backgrounds and challenges. Here’s how TURSA provides the tools and support needed to succeed in the 2024 job market:

Skill Development Focus: TURSA goes beyond traditional resumes, helping you identify and showcase the valuable skills you’ve gained through life experiences, volunteer work, or personal pursuits. They provide training opportunities to fill skill gaps specific to your desired field.

Tailored Support Network: TURSA understands that everyone’s journey is unique. They work closely with you to identify your barriers and develop a personalised plan to overcome them, ensuring you receive the proper support at every step.

Community Collaboration: TURSA actively collaborates with various community support organisations, leveraging their combined expertise and resources to broaden your job search opportunities and connect you with potential employers. Organisations that support mental health, physical health, basic needs, skill development, and employment preparation are high on our partnership list. Where we find gaps in partner services TURSA reaches out to local business to secure what is needed to ensure you have what you need to succeed.

Confidence Building: TURSA empowers you with interview preparation, work experience, resume development and expert guidance on addressing potential barriers professionally. They ensure you approach the job search with confidence and self-assurance.

Your Success Story in 2024:

The Australian job market in 2024 holds immense potential for those willing to adapt and embrace new opportunities. With TURSA’s personalised support and focus on skill development, you can overcome any barriers and land the role that fuels your aspirations. Remember, TURSA is more than just a job agency; they’re your partner in navigating the evolving landscape and building a fulfilling career in 2024 and beyond.

Take the First Step Today

Connect with TURSA on social media @TURSAJOBS for career insights, inspiring stories, and upcoming events. Please share this message with your network and help others overcome barriers and achieve their career goals. Don't let the changing job market be a challenge – make it an opportunity for growth and success with Tursa as your guide. Start your journey today and build a fulfilling career in the exciting landscape of 2024 and beyond!

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Jack – Finding Freedom: Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Change

In a candid conversation in Lismore, we sit down with Jack, a resilient individual whose life took a transformative turn at TURSA. Jack opened up about his battles with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, shedding light on his remarkable journey from isolation to finding freedom and purpose from his barriers.

Depression, anxiety and dependency

Before Jack found his way to TURSA, his life was marked by heavy depression, anxiety, and a relentless struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Forced to move back home due to life’s circumstances, Jack found solace, but it was only upon reaching TURSA that his outlook took an upward turn and he began finding freedom.

A Turning Point

His encounter with Stacy at TURSA became a turning point. Jack vividly recalls the initial meeting having a positive progression in only a few minutes. It laid the foundation for a pathway that met Jack’s needs. The prospect of rehab crossed his mind initially, but after just one week, the transformative experience at TURSA, mainly working at the showgrounds, made him reconsider.

Work for the Dole

Jack’s requirement to undertake Work for the Dole program, marked the beginning of his journey to recovery. Impressively, within eight weeks, Jack’s dedication and strong work ethic not only earned him connections but also opportunities. The president and vice president of the Show Society recognised his potential, leading to an offer to work as the head traffic controller for significant events.

Newfound Interest

Reflecting on his experience, Jack expresses a newfound interest in pursuing a career as a traffic controller. He discusses upcoming courses and potential paths, highlighting the positive impact of the opportunities presented to him.

As Jack narrates his story, it becomes evident that his struggle with anxiety has significantly diminished. Jack was previously unable to make eye contact or construct proper sentences, so he attributes his transformation to stepping out of his comfort zone. The experience at the showgrounds helped overcome much of his public anxiety and build his confidence, allowing him to communicate and work effectively with others.

Staying Aware – A Conscious Effort

Acknowledging the ongoing need for awareness, Jack emphasises the conscious effort required to prevent a regression into past struggles. Despite facing challenges, he finds solace in his work, particularly at the showgrounds, where he thrives in a physical and social environment.

Jack envisions further growth, with Saturdays at the showground providing paid work and the rest of the week dedicated to volunteering. He plans to obtain his RSA and RCG for additional job opportunities. The supportive network at TURSA, and especially from Trev, ensures Jack’s continued involvement in significant events, boosting his confidence and motivation.

Stacy – Jack’s Employment Adviser

In a brief conversation with Stacy, Jack’s Employment Adviser, it becomes clear that Jack’s journey is a testament to the effectiveness of TURSA’s proactive approach.

Stacy highlights Jack’s initial timidness and anxiety, emphasising the positive impact of working collaboratively to overcome barriers. She encourages other individuals like Jack to reach out, they do not have to struggle alone, assuring them that TURSA is here to help, not hinder.

Finding Freedom through Resilience, Support and that First Step

Jack’s story at TURSA exemplifies the power of resilience, support, and the transformative impact of seizing opportunities. His journey sends a powerful message – it’s okay to seek help, and with the proper support, positive change is not only possible but achievable.

Both Stacey and Jack had a message they wanted to share:

Bronwyn needed a person fit for farming and, able to follow instructions.

Daryl didn't have a job for more than 20 years, but he talked with Brent at TURSA and believed he was fit for farming. With Brent's support Daryl secured a job at Port Macquarie Farms. The farm is run by Bronwyn and it's an exciting project. They offer education and workshops about Syntropics and Regenerative Agriculture. A great initiative for people who own property in the area having moved from city.

Daryl’s journey has been one of resilience and overcoming adversity. Growing up on the land, he had a natural affinity for the outdoors, but years of being a primary carer and a recent PTSD diagnosis had left him without paid employment for over two decades.

Enter TURSA, and Brent, who saw potential in Daryl and suggested a role at Port Macquarie Farms. The farm, under the leadership of Bronwyn, is an exciting project offering workshops on Syntropics and Regenerative Agriculture to local property owners.

Bronwyn recognized Daryl’s love for working the land and his can-do attitude. As a result, she provided him the opportunity to prove himself. With hard work and dedication, Daryl quickly became a valuable team member, taking on more responsibilities and showing a real passion and definitely was fit for farming.

Through this opportunity, Daryl found not just a job, but a sense of purpose, growing and developing his skills while contributing to the success of Port Macquarie Farms. His story is a testament to the power of providing support and opportunities to those who face obstacles in life.

About Port Macquarie- New South Wales

Port Macquarie is a coastal town located in New South Wales, Australia, that offers a variety of activities and attractions for tourists. One of the most popular attractions is the Koala Hospital, where visitors can see and learn about koalas and their conservation efforts. The town also has several beautiful beaches, such as Lighthouse Beach and Town Beach, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

In addition to its natural beauty, Port Macquarie is also home to a TURSA office. Conveniently located in the heart of Port Macquarie at Palm Court, Shop 1/14 Short St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Tel: (02) 6583 5799

“Breaking into a New Job Market: Andrew’s Story of Challenges and Success”

Thanks for chatting with me Andrew, can you tell me a little about how you came to TURSA in Coffs Harbour?

“I relocated from Molong near Orange to Coffs Harbour. It was some time ago when I joined TURSA. Finding work in Coffs Harbour was challenging for me. Initially I wanted to find a sales job while I got on my feet, but my background is in computers and IT. I used to run my own computer business and had received training in the field, but technology was advancing so quickly that I was struggling to keep up. Despite being surrounded by computer shops, most of them were family-owned businesses, making it difficult for me to secure employment. I found that getting a job in IT in the area required the right connections. It was nothing but IT for me from school onwards so going there and seeing all the computer shops and then realising I needed to be a family member to get in was disheartening. The other challenge I found was that technology was moving so fast and not being in a job I could not maintain my industry standards. I did a few short jobs but really found working in IT that it was better working for myself. I could manage myself a lot better and did not have a boss telling me to do things that a customer would not like or appreciate. So, in that respect I am glad I am currently out”

Can you tell me a little about what you have done in conjunction with TURSA to secure employment here in Coffs Harbour?

TURSA assisted me with getting my RSA certificate to open further options for work. I did spend some time serving drinks but found it wasn’t really my thing.

Tursa assisted me to purchase new clothes and helped with petrol for the first week after I transitioned into a cleaning role which was a significant help. My current role I find I have been loving it and found a job that I enjoy.

What are your plans for the future. Now that you are working has that got you thinking about what doors may open?

I think eventually I’d like to start my business again. There are some ongoing issues with my website that will be resolved next year. I want to get that all started again but this time I want to approach it differently and be more involved. I would be keen to see if there is any more support, I can get through TURSA so that I can build it up. Because I was a one-person business, I really want to get more people in to help me and to build up more business.

But for now, I am working for a business that is appreciative, great communicators and happy to praise a job well done which makes it a great place to work.

Andrew – Participant Coffs Harbour

“Supporting a Job Search: Terrie’s Strategies for Helping Andrew Find Work”

Hi Terrie. Can you tell me a little about Andrew and what has been achieved while he has been getting assistance from you at TURSA?

“Andrew had previously worked with us when we were Job Network and had completed the NEIS program he became self-employed, but his business took a hit when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He returned to us for support”.

So when Andrew returned and you realised his business was not going to sustain him, how did you approach the new challenge he was facing?

“He has a background in computer work but this time around he decided not to look for work in IT as it had proven to be too difficult. We were determined to help him find a job that would fit his current needs. The first opportunity was a job at Club 300, but he needed an RSA which we organised. But unfortunately, that job was filled before he was able to secure it. We then found him a role in office cleaning, however that job was not really a good match, so we got him another job with a different cleaning company which is what he is currently doing now.”

That is a really big change from his skillset, how is he finding doing a totally different role especially one so physical?

“Andrew is in his early 40s and realized that he needs to continually update his skills if he wants to stay relevant in his work in IT due to the rapid changes in technology. Consideration also had to be considered with the type of work he could sustain as he is diabetic, which limits the amount of work he can take on since he may get tired easily. However, he is currently enjoying the job he has, which is great!”

-Terrie a local Employment Adviser.

"Success is not always a predetermined destination, but rather a journey of unexpected twists and turns that may lead us to places we never thought we'd go."

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In conclusion, Andrew’s journey to Coffs Harbour was not an easy one. Despite his expertise in his profession, he struggled to secure employment in his field and eventually technology go ahead of him. However, he did not give up and instead found alternative employment with the assistance of Terrie and TURSA that allowed him to refocus and plan.

Although it was not what he had initially envisioned for himself, Andrew’s new job has brought him a sense of purpose and a renewed passion for his profession.

Andrew’s resilience and determination have paid off, and he is now in a better position to relaunch his business when the time is right. He has learned the importance of adaptability and the value of keeping an open mind when faced with challenges.

Coffs Harbour is a coastal city located in the Mid-North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. According to the latest Census in 2021, the population of Coffs Harbour is around 77,000 people. The median age of residents is 43 years, with 49.8% of the population being female and 50.2% male.

Highlights of Coffs Harbour, NSW:

Natural beauty: Coffs Harbour is known for its stunning natural beauty, with attractions like the Solitary Islands Marine Park, Dorrigo National Park, and the Big Banana.
Beaches: Coffs Harbour has a range of beautiful beaches, including Park Beach, Jetty Beach, and Sawtell Beach.
Food and dining: Coffs Harbour has a thriving food and dining scene, with many seafood restaurants and cafes serving fresh local produce.
Events and festivals: Coffs Harbour hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Coffs Harbour Show, the Coffs Coast Food and Wine Festival, and the Bellingen Jazz and Blues Festival.
Sporting facilities: Coffs Harbour has a range of sporting facilities, including the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, which hosts national and international sporting events.
Education: Coffs Harbour has several primary and secondary schools, a TAFE campus and a campus of Southern Cross University.
Healthcare: Coffs Harbour has a range of healthcare services, including the Coffs Harbour Health Campus, a major regional hospital.

Overall, Coffs Harbour offers a great mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and quality of life for its residents and visitors. TURSA is convenently located 144/148 W High St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450