James finds joy in going Back to Work

For two decades, James, 46, struggled with the barriers of a belief system he grew up, saying he was trapped in a cycle of self-neglect, lacking purpose and direction.

Mustering the courage to break the cycle, James’ path led him to the Back to Work program, a new job and a completely new outlook on life.

“Being back in the workplace it amazes me that I just went so many years when I didn’t know what I was missing out on. It has literally changed my life and my headspace all around,” James shared.

“I now not only get to earn a living, I get the social aspect of it, and just the satisfaction to know that I am contributing to society.”

The Queensland Government's Back to Work program helps jobseekers and those at risk of unemployment to upskill and retrain for new jobs.

Visiting TAFE Queensland’s Cairns campus, James was introduced to Jobseeker Officer Peti-Maree Ferguson who, in James’ words “helped me so much and gave me so much confidence”.

TAFE Queensland’s Back to Work Jobseeker Officers coordinate the program, offering eligible jobseekers free personalised support like career path mapping, resume writing, interview skills, training, and job matching with local employers.

As well as support to prepare for job interviews and workplace skills, the Back to Work program enabled James to access funding from Construction Skills Queensland to complete Elevated Work Platform, Confined Spaces and Working at Heights training.

He also attended a weekly Jobs Club and utilised Jobseeker Support Pool funding to cover the cost of uniforms and PPE required during training. The funding also supported the costs associated with forklift training and High-Risk Licence fees.

“Peti gave me the assistance I needed. I needed my hand held as I had my training wheels on,” James said.

“I was unaware of so much and it enlightened me and helped me in such a wonderful way that I would recommend it to anyone.”

James was offered the first job he attended an interview for and now he takes joy in his work that he never thought possible.

“The energy of the workplace is amazing. I enjoy going to work – it is such a great atmosphere, and the people are so friendly,” he said.

“My income has doubled. That in itself has been amazing, and I am no longer struggling the way I was before. I just couldn’t afford to live anymore.

“It’s great to be at work. I am enjoying every interaction with customers and knowing that I am doing something with my life.”

For James, the Back to Work program was lifechanging and is now hoping to inspire other people to give it a try by sharing his story.

“This is not a dress rehearsal – the sun is going to keep on rising every day and I’m going to keep getting up every day to be part of it,” he said.

“I had a negative, destructive and poor attitude and I’ve let go of all that. Positivity helps you press forward. Just go for it, you will not regret it.”

Now with a positive new life ahead of him and the confidence to go with it, James hopes to add more qualifications to his skillset as his work experience continues to expand.