Nicole’s story: A Queensland first in Toowoomba

CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Toowoomba has reached a big milestone. It has become the first provider in Queensland to place a customer through the new Real Jobs Real Wages (RJRW) wage subsidy initiative. The program gives employers financial support to hire staff and grow their workforce, and it helps create real chances for people who are ready to get back into work.

Nicole’s story shows what this can look like when the timing and support are right.

This feels like a fresh start for me. Nicole said.

Nicole’s new beginning at Golden West

In September, Nicole started a Business Traineeship with Golden West. It was a huge step after being out of the workforce for more than two years. Starting again can feel scary, especially when you have been away from work for a long time. The RJRW wage subsidy helped her employer feel confident to offer the role, and that made the first weeks easier for Nicole too.

Instead of feeling like she had to know everything straight away, Nicole could focus on learning, settling in, and building good routines.

I can ask questions and get help when I need it. Nicole said. I feel safe being honest at work.

Support that helped her believe in herself

Nicole’s journey took real courage. She is a survivor of domestic violence and a mum of one. She also faced mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These barriers hit her confidence hard and made it difficult to picture herself in a workplace again.

With support from BUSY At Work Toowoomba, Nicole did not have to figure it out alone. Corey, the Recruitment Partner, and Dane, Nicole’s mentor, worked alongside her the whole way.

Together, they talked through Nicole’s strengths and what she needed to feel well and supported at work. They looked for roles where she could grow, not just cope.

They also helped Nicole get job-ready in practical ways. They refreshed her resume, worked on interview skills, and helped her write strong cover letters. Just as important, they encouraged her to go for roles that would build her confidence and strengthen her admin skills.

Nicole worked hard for this. Dane said. Once she saw her strengths clearly, she started backing herself again.

When the RJRW opportunity came up, Nicole applied straight away. Now she has been in the job for nine weeks, has exited Centrelink benefits, and has fit into the team really well. BUSY At Work has already made a full four week RJRW claim, and Nicole looks settled and proud in her new role.

Nicole’s story is a reminder that when the right support meets the right opportunity, people can surprise themselves with what they can do.

Click here to contact us and find out how we can help.