EyrePlus reinforce Kenneth’s journey to starting a new chapter in his community 

Finding a workplace that sees your talents can be the turning point for many in securing employment, Kenneth included. 

As a proud Senior Traditional Man, Kenneth has close ties to his community in Yalata. 

He had not been in paid employment before, largely due to reading and writing challenges, and has experienced limited opportunities as a result. 

Kenneth connected with EyrePlus in July 2019 through the Community Development Program (CDP). Within this program, Kenneth works with an employment consultant to build his skills and participate in activities with the goal of finding sustainable work. 

To enhance his employability, Kenneth decided to join the Foundation Skills for Your Future Remote Community Pilot (RCP). EyrePlus deliver the program in the Far West region of South Australia on behalf of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. 

Through building on his current skills and working toward finding employment, Kenneth landed a job with Yalata Community Store as a Store Person. 

“He has waited a lifetime to be given the chance to have paid employment,” said Susan, Quality Assurance Manager. 

The EyrePlus team assisted Kenneth in completing the needed paperwork for his new role. This preparation meant providing bank details, which his employment consultant David helped him to secure. They also worked together to fill in all the required information and forms to return to his new employer.  

By proactively working with his employment consultant, Kenneth quickly forwarded his paperwork to his new employer and started working immediately. 

Seeing that this assistance would only provide immediate support in starting work, the RCP team have also committed to developing learning resources for Kenneth. These specific work-related materials will help to build skills such as reading dates and completing stock rotation. By working on these abilities, the aim is for Kenneth to feel more independence as he continues his work duties. 

On the days Kenneth does not attend the community store, he takes pride in engaging in cultural obligations within his community, where he provides holistic support and connection. 

Happy in his new role, Kenneth spoke with the EyrePlus team about sharing his story. He explained that he wanted to share his experience of finding work with others.  

“I am feeling emotional that he wants his story shared,” said Susan. 

Kenneth’s confidence, opportunities and skills have grown massively over the past few months, helping him to reach his employment goals. EyrePlus fully supports his journey in this new role and in continuing to develop his new skills.    

About the Foundation Skills for Your Future Remote Community Pilot (RCP)  

RCP is a program that delivers tailored and flexible foundation English Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital literacy (LLND) skills, assessment and training that meet your local community needs and helps improve reading, writing, maths and digital skills. 

About the Community Development Program (CDP) 

CDP is an Employment program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to achieve sustainable employment outcomes by strengthening skills, addressing barriers and contributing to their communities through a range of flexible work-like activities. 

For more information, contact EyrePlus on 1800 960 012 or info@eyreplus.com.au