Lee was 55 years old, awaiting a hip operation and had been unemployed for eight years when he came to OCTEC Rockhampton, Queensland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wanted real assistance to find work,\u201d he said when he turned up, after deciding OCTEC<\/a> was the one for him by doing research online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an over thinker, with his confidence at rock bottom, Lee believed that employers don\u2019t hire people over 50 years of age. He took the learning option to meet mutual obligations and gained a Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, as it aligned with his passion for the topic. Lee felt the certificate will assist him securing paid employment in the future as he exited the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lee soon returned to OCTEC ready for the challenge of finding employment. After mentoring, he visited businesses with copies of his r\u00e9sum\u00e9 with confidence, knowing OCTEC Consultant Karen was one of his biggest advocates. She was happy to help him achieve, and work through any issues in the way of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continuing to search for while working in positions not entirely suited to him paid off for Lee. He found a position operating a forklift via a labour hire company, commencing the position after completing his online induction. He\u2019s working mostly full time hours, which gives him a good income and continues to improve his quality of life on all fronts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He works likeminded people who are mostly mature aged workers. Lee feels secure in this employment as he can communicate with his manager openly, and they are approachable for any discussions. Lee is more independent in this role. He has received very good feedback for his commitment and reliability that has made him very happy and proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lee now lives independently, after secure housing that\u2019s very close to his work. He has made friends with people whom live around him when he wants to chat and share some laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He appreciates all OCTEC and Karen have done to support him financially and emotionally when he needs it the most, Lee says he wouldn\u2019t be where he is now without the assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lee feels so lucky to have a place to live independently as he has looked homelessness in the face and found residence with hours to spare Lee is employed in a job that he can manage, Lee loves the fork lift work however he still gets on the shovel and that gives him a work out he says his boss tells him to have a walk if he notices Lee is not managing the very physical work, mostly the work is not so heavy and he can cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live with a disability, illness, or injury and are looking for work, please feel free to\u00a0reach out to your local employment specialists for assistance<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n