Recently we caught up with Maddie*, a Sydney SheWorks candidate who started her new career earlier this year as a Light Rail Driver for Transdev.
“After I have got the job, I am much more confident, and my self-esteem is back!’’
Before accessing Fitted for Work services and registering with SheWorks, Maddie* had been struggling to find work.
“My biggest challenge was my long career break which put me down completely, I was not sure how to start my job search.”
Maddie* hadn’t work in over 10 years and had no Australian work experience since moving here.“I was looking for a job around 3 months as I was doing a few other courses to know the Australian market and culture.’’
Maddie* heard about the Fitted for Work services through the Westmead Public School Community Hub, which helps the parents settle in Australia more easily. She accessed our Job preparation Hub to get assistance with her resume and was outfitted by our Dressing Room with professional attire for interviews.
Through Fitted for Work, Maddie* found out about SheWorks and the opportunity to register for a SheWorks information session, promoting Light Rail Driver roles with Transdev.
“The information session provided the first step and opened the door”
At the information session Maddie* gained insight into what it would be like to be a Light Rail Driver and heard first-hand from two female drivers already working in the role and she decided to apply for a role.
“I was quite excited about the job because it was something very different and challenging.”
Before the session Maddie* said she never would have considered driving a Light Rail vehicle as a career option for her.
“I was able to get back my confidence and was able to start fresh my career.’’
Maddie* was supported by Fitted for Work and SheWorks throughout the assessment and recruitment process and was successful in securing a role with Transdev, recently completing her training to become a fully qualified as a driver.
Maddie* would encourage other women to keep an open mind about starting a new career and to not be discouraged by a long career break.
“I think all the women searching for jobs should be open minded and always be prepared for changes in life.”
Maddie* is happy with her decision to try something new that has changed her life.
“As the job was offered and then I started to work I started loving my job.”
“I would like to thank my family. Without their support I would not be here and I would like to mention here a special thanks to my husband who has been my support and my well wisher throughout my job searching journey and continues to be.”
Maddie* will continue to be supported by SheWorks, like all our SheWorks placements she has access to 6-12 months of one-on-one mentoring support through our Fitted for Work mentoring program.
If your organisation is looking to promote your industry or opportunities to female candidates, SheWorks can help. Get in touch with our SheWorks team today at [email protected] or contact 03 8842 2954 and speak to our SheWorks Manager, Liz Trewhella.
*Name changed to protect candidate’s identity.
