Young Indigenous man stands tall in the building Industry
At just 16 years old, John-Michael Pitt has fulfilled his ambition of starting a career in the building industry.
With help and support from Job Network and Complete Personnel, John-Michael recently started a fibrous plasterer apprenticeship with an Adelaide metropolitan employer.
Immediately after finishing Year 10, John-Michael met with Fabian Francis, the Indigenous Youth Employment Consultant (IYEC) at Complete Personnel. He had no work experience, but was determined to find employment and earn his own income.
Fabian provided the enthusiastic teenager with the one-on-one support he needed. ‘I taught him skills such as résumé writing, interview techniques, motivation, goal setting, time management and how to write an application letter,’ Fabian said.
John-Michael was glad he had Fabian to work with. ‘He gave me the confidence to apply for the apprenticeship and go to the interview. I’m really enjoying the job and I can’t wait to start trade school,’ he said.
After equipping John-Michael with work clothing, tools and fares, Fabian and the team at Complete Personnel were confident that he would move towards his goal of personal independence.
‘He has had some real challenges to deal with in his short life. It’s great to see him succeeding and being looked up to as a positive role model by his mates and other young Indigenous people,’ Fabian said.
John-Michael is relieved he doesn’t have to rely on Centrelink payments any longer and that he is out there making a living for himself. He keeps himself focused by thinking of the future and the benefits of working. His advice to other Indigenous people who are finding it hard to find a job is to never give up.