For many local mums returning to the workforce after spending time raising their family can be daunting. Some have limited skills and a lack of recent work experience and many are just unsure how the will juggle their family commitments with work.

A local partnership between PVS Workfind (previously IPA) and Metro Apartments on Bank Place - Melbourne, is helping mums to balance their responsibilities, learn new skills, work with an understanding employer and together they have secured employment for five local mums.

“Some of the unemployed mums I meet have not been in paid employment for over 10 years, so it’s understandable that they need some extra support and encouragement to find their way back into work.” Said Ben Giacomantonio, Employment Coach at PVS Workfind.

Juliette is a young single mother who was struggling to return to work but with the support of PVS Workfind Juliette is now working at Metro Apartments.

With support from PVS Workfind consultant, Mal Noori, Juliette went to a Parenting workshop which helped her to overcome some of her barriers to returning to work and realize she was not alone. Together, as Juliette began to look for work they also set realistic goals, stepping stones to help her to re-enter the workforce.

The PVS Workfind team gave Juliette support and guidance, which kept her motivated toward success and when she was ready to return to work Ben contacted Mr Harsha Karanarutna, Property Manager of Metro Apartments Bank Place on her behalf to set up an interview.

The hotel were looking for a part time room attendant who was keen, had the ability to be trained to become a weekend supervisor and asked Ben to set up an interview with Juliette. The next day Ben supported Juliette in her interview and she was offered a position to start within a few days.

Juliette successfully commenced employment one month ago and with continued Post Placement Support from Ben Giacomantonio to both herself and the employer she is rapidly becoming a valued member of the Metro Apartment team.

“When I first met Harsha from Metro apartments here in Melbourne, we discussed the difficulties local mums were facing when returning to work, not long after we were meeting again to discuss potential candidates and government incentives to create opportunities, and now we have five mums working there” Said Ben.

“Juliette is taking great pride in the fact that she is now being trained to complete relevant paperwork, her confidence has grown and she has renewed her enthusiasm for life” Said Ben.