Daniel’s career path hasn’t exactly followed a straight line.
He did complete an electrical apprenticeship – working with three different employers along the way – and became a qualified electrician. But rather than stepping into a typical electrical career, Daniel’s love for travel took him in a completely different direction.
He spent years exploring the world and picking up a wide range of jobs along the way. From sailing yachts across the globe to installing Christmas decorations in shopping centres, Daniel tried a little bit of everything.
Like many people in their younger years, he also enjoyed the party lifestyle. But everything changed when Daniel became a father.
That was the moment he realised it was time to find stability.
While volunteering at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, Daniel was told about a Skilling Queenslanders for Work traineeship opportunity so he applied.
Having already made a positive impression through his volunteering and the traineeship, Daniel then applied for the role of Mentor with a Skilling Queenslanders for Work construction program and was successful in gaining the role. It turned out to be the perfect fit.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a Queensland Government funded initiative that helps jobseekers build practical and employability skills through short, on-site training programs ranging from two to twenty weeks. Delivered in partnership with community organisations, the programs support participants to gain experience in industries such as construction, hospitality, tourism and business administration.
Supporting job seekers to gain confidence, skills and pathways into employment quickly became something Daniel was passionate about. Since then, he has continued working with BUSY At Work across multiple Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs in the region and has become a standout mentor within the program.
“It’s such a broad job,” Daniel explains. “There’s a bit of human resources involved – interviewing participants, recruiting, managing payroll and workplace safety – then there’s the construction side of things, ordering materials and organising projects.”
“But the biggest part is the mentoring.”
For many participants, the journey into employment isn’t straightforward. Some come from challenging backgrounds and may be dealing with personal struggles or mental health issues.
Daniel understands that better than most.
“Having suffered from personal struggles myself in the past, I talk to them about it. That helps them relate. Sometimes there are mental health issues as well, so we help support them through that and connect them with medical help if needed.”
Daniel admits there are moments during the programs where things feel tough.
Each traineeship runs for 20 weeks, and the early excitement can sometimes give way to challenges along the way.
“At the start there’s a lot of hope and excitement,” he says. “Then there can be some lulls where I think, ‘Why am I doing this? Am I actually getting through to anyone?’”
“But then something changes.”
“Someone might say that their life is starting to feel better. Or they start showing up early every day. Those little breakthroughs start happening.”
“And then toward the end, when people start getting jobs, you see a real shift. Their behaviour changes. Their goals change. They start having aspirations for their future.”
The ripple effect of these programs goes far beyond employment and participants in the program come from all walks of life.
Some are as young as 15 or 16 and have left school early. Others are older, sometimes in their 40s or 50s, and may have lost work after years of employment due to unexpected life events.
For Daniel, helping people at any stage of life find their way back into work is incredibly rewarding.
When asked what advice he gives to job seekers, Daniel’s answer is refreshingly honest.
“I was really undecided myself about what I wanted to do, which is why I had so many random jobs,” he says.
“It took having a kid for me to realise this, but honestly, it doesn’t really matter what you do. To me, there’s no such thing as the perfect job but finding something that suits your skills set and preferences (for example, you may prefer to work outside rather than be in an office all day), means your work will be a lot more satisfying in the long run.”
Alongside practical construction skills, participants in the program also learn the soft skills employers value most – presentation, communication, punctuality and confidence.
“The first thing an employer notices is body language,” Daniel says.
“If someone looks keen, is well spoken and polite, that first impression goes a long way.”
“And persistence matters too. Don’t give up. Keep calling, keep showing interest and show employers you’re keen to start.”
Daniel will soon be mentoring new Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs in the Laidley region, with projects planned across three community sites including a dog shelter, an RSL sub-branch and potentially a tractor museum.
Two back-to-back 20-week construction traineeships will provide participants with hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful community projects.
For Daniel, it’s more than just a job.
It’s the chance to help people turn things around and build a better future.
Learn more about Skilling Queenslanders for Work or enquire about upcoming programs, email sqwprojects@busyatwork.com.au
Daniel (L) in his mentorship role in a recent Skilling Queenslanders for Work program which saw participants undertake a 20-week traineeship in construction. Participants are then marketed to employers to continue on their traineeship or into other roles.