Jack Wheeler at Mitre 10, where he secured his first job just two days into a work placement through Community College Northern Inland. Photo: Kylie Gray/CCNI
At 28, Moree SES volunteer Jack Wheeler had never had a job.
Earlier this year, he applied for a position at Mitre 10 but was unsuccessful. Months later, when Jack was given the chance to choose a workplace for a training placement, he decided to go back and have another crack.
He didn’t need long to prove himself.
Just two days into what was supposed to be a two-week placement, Jack’s enthusiasm and willingness to work had impressed the store’s manager, Michelle, enough for her to offer him a part-time job.
“He was just so eager to work,” Michelle said.
“I couldn’t fault him. He was an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Jack had been taking part in a 16-week Launch Into Work foundation skills program at Community College Northern Inland’s Moree campus after staff at Sureway Employment suggested the program.
The program combines practical learning, job-ready skills and work experience, and is funded under the National Skills Agreement’s Increasing Access to Foundation Skills initiative between the Australian and NSW governments.
When it came time for Jack’s work placement, CCNI Moree Campus Coordinator Kylie Gray contacted Mitre 10 and arranged for him to work from 10am to 3pm, two days a week for two weeks.
The full placement wasn’t needed.
Jack is now working at least 15 hours each week, with opportunities for additional hours during school holidays and when other staff are away.
Even finishing a day’s work with blisters on his feet hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm.
“I don’t care, I’m just glad I put in a hard day of work,” Jack said.
“It’s really fulfilling to have something to do. I feel a real sense of accomplishment.”
For Jack, the job has brought something beyond a pay packet.
“I really enjoy the customers and staff and having companionship,” he said.
“Having nothing to do is extremely boring and staying at home is lonely. I love all the chats we have at work.
“I really enjoy working with everyone here at Mitre 10.”
Jack is already thinking about what comes next.
During his training he began exploring further study, initially considering IT before deciding Library and Information Services was the direction he wanted to pursue.
With help from CCNI student support officer Pat, Jack has mapped out a study pathway and hopes to begin studying online next year.
For now, though, his first job has given him something he had been looking for: work, companionship and the satisfaction of putting in a hard day’s effort.
