Tasmanian Disability Employment Services (DES) and STEPS Work Mates client Nikolaos (Niko) recently completed work experience with Subway Hobart, to enhance his confidence, gain valuable workplace skills, and a taste for his dream role.
Before starting with STEPS in September 2023, Niko was an active member of the greater Hobart community, actively engaging with projects and communities throughout the region, including volunteer work with the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Hobart City Council.
Despite actively seeking work, Niko struggled to find permanent employment. After signing up for the STEPS Work Mates program at an expo, the Hobart team started working with him to understand his goals, aspirations, and skills.
The Hobart team discovered Niko’s passion for working in the hospitality industry, allowing them to develop and provide personalised training support, and programs to build Niko’s confidence and equip him with the skills needed to enter the industry. Niko’s Work Mates team identified an opportunity with Subway Hobart which enabled Niko to undertake a week of work experience.
During his time at Subway, Niko was entrusted with several core tasks, including food preparation and safe handling, customer service management, supply stocking, cleaning, and addressing onsite hazards to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
Niko found the opportunity enjoyable and said: “It was a great chance to get some hands-on experience in the food industry by allowing to get a feeling for the general day-to-day tasks needing to be undertaken. Through this experience I feel ready for upcoming interviews and further work.”
Lincoln Bivolcheff, Site Business Development Officer for STEPS Group Australia in Hobart, said he was thrilled to see Niko’s development and recent successes.
“It’s always a great feeling when we have our Work Mates clients achieve key milestones, and with Niko, he has always accomplished each milestone by actively engaging, working with us, and asking questions. Now that Niko has had a taste with his recent work experience, we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Niko and obtaining permanent employment,” Lincoln said.
STEPS Work Mates supports people looking to find employment in Disability Employment Services (DES) that need additional supports. STEPS Work Mates supports clients in building foundational employability skills, become work ready, and provides ongoing supports to help with continued employment outcomes.
