Welcome to CVGT Employment’s job seeker success stories blog, where we share the inspiring journeys of real people who have overcome challenges to find meaningful work with the help of our team.
We hope these stories inspire and encourage you on your own job search journey.
Browse stories by program

Aleasha’s journey to a new career
When Aleasha Walker reached out to CVGT Employment to reconnect with the Transition to Work program, she knew she was ready for a change. After working in hospitality, she wanted to shift careers but wasn’t sure where to start. Finding the right support From the moment she returned to the program, Youth Employment Mentor Chloe…

Kiandra finds meaning and purpose through her dental assisting traineeship
After graduating from high school, Kiandra was unsure what to do next. She didn’t want to sit at a desk all day, and was not interested in going to university, but didn’t want to end up stuck in a job with no long-term direction. After talking with her family, friends, and former Year Twelve teachers,…

Trilogy sponsorship: supporting community meals and building skills
Through a CVGT Employment sponsorship in 2025, we were proud to support Trilogy Support in Wodonga as they delivered a weekly community meal program for individuals and families experiencing hardship. Our funding helped cover the cost of fresh ingredients, meal preparation, and the safe, welcoming environment where nutritious, high‑quality meals were served. This initiative not…

A confident new start for Mikaela
When Mikaela Riley-Edmonds joined CVGT Employment’s Parent Pathways program in December 2024, she was aiming for financial stability but still figuring out which career path suited her. She explored Early Education and Care, Aged Care and Traffic Control, but the cost of training and her low confidence made the next step feel out of reach….

Building skills, building stability
When Rebecca Hodge, a single mother from Albury, found herself getting only ten hours of work a week as a room attendant, she knew something had to change. She joined CVGT Employment’s Workforce Australia program for support to boost her hours and create a more secure future. Exploring opportunities to grow At her first appointment,…

From looking for work to creating opportunities for others
Finding work after losing a job can be daunting, especially when navigating a new country and unfamiliar systems. For Innocent Ntumba Tshilombo, what began as a challenging period of unemployment became the start of a new career chapter- one that would see him become an Employment Consultant and purchase his first home in Australia. After…

CVGT Employment Trainee celebrates two major wins at the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards
The winners of the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards were announced last night at a spectacular ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall, celebrating the achievements of Victoria’s apprentices, trainees, and Group Training Organisations (GTOs). Hosted by the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) and Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Australia, these awards recognise excellence in the group training sector and…

Brooke finds her place at Timbarra Primary School
Brooke Pellissier always knew she wanted to work in a school. Having previously assisted in a school library, she loved being around books and helping others. So, when the opportunity came to find a new role, her CVGT Employment Consultant Rebecca Webbern stepped in to help make it happen. Brooke has Down syndrome, and like…

Disability as Capability: Employer breakfast inspires change on World Sight Day 2025
On Thursday 9 October, CVGT Employment proudly partnered with Guide Dogs Victoria to host the Disability as Capability: Rethinking What Talent Looks Like breakfast experience at the Guide Dogs Victoria campus. Held in recognition of World Sight Day, the event focused on inclusion, accessibility, and the strengths of people who are blind or have low…

Finding a way back into the workforce for dedicated mum
For Stephanie, a single mum with seven kids, finding work that fits around school hours has always been a challenge. When she first joined CVGT Employment’s Workforce Australia program in Horsham, she didn’t have a drivers licence and lacked confidence. After joining , Stephanie’s confidence grew week by week. With support from her employment consultant…

Savannah’s driving forward
Savannah connected with CVGT Employment Parent Pathways in Bacchus Marsh, with a clear goal in mind, to get her full driver’s licence. As a young mum juggling study and parenting, she knew that having her own transport would make a world of difference. I had no licence. I was taking my baby on public transport,…

Mark finds his niche late in life as a postie
Mark recently relocated from New South Wales to Victoria with his partner, bringing with him a diverse employment background that included experience in the printing industry, work as a V/Line train conductor, and providing support in the aged care sector. Mark joined CVGT Employment’s Workforce Australia program after having difficulty finding employment. Despite applying for…

Melissa goes from aspiration to action with Parent Pathways
When Melissa connected with CVGT Employment’s Parent Pathways program in Melton, she had a clear goal. “I joined Parent Pathways in March 2025, to get help to do a course so I can get back into work,” says Melissa. Personalised support that makes a difference With the help of her CVGT Employment Mentor Lissa, Melissa…

“You matter”- The reminder that helped Steven rebuild his life
Steven McMillan gave up working to care for his elderly mother full-time. After her passing, he was left grieving, and homeless. With his life packed into the boot and backseat of his car, Steven had no stability and direction. Every night was a desperate search for somewhere safe to sleep. Each day, a fight for…

From homelessness to hope
Jezz was living in a tent at Myrtle Park, thirty kilometres from Launceston, struggling with homelessness, addiction, and severe social anxiety. Determined to change the course of his life, he took a brave first step in August 2020 by reaching out to CVGT Employment for support. That moment marked the beginning of his journey towards…

Opening doors in Shepparton – Furphy Engineering welcomes future trade talent
In a region known for its strong manufacturing roots, Shepparton’s own Furphy Engineering recently opened its doors to a group of eager Workforce Australia and Transition to Work Participants for a behind-the-scenes walkthrough. Organised by David Furci, Shepparton Senior Business Development Consultant at CVGT Employment, the event offered Participants a rare glimpse into one of…

From the sidelines to the supermarket
Two years ago, Kobe had days “where I didn’t want to leave the house. I felt anxious and really shut off from society.” Searching for work, Kobe joined the CVGT Employment Disability Employment Services program in Wodonga, seeking support. “From early on, I knew that Kobe just needed a voice. A platform so he could…

Stephen’s story: Turning barriers into breakthroughs
Finding the right support Stephen, a passionate software developer who is blind, faced significant challenges in his job search. Many job platforms were inaccessible, and some application processes excluded him entirely. “Not all job platforms are as accessible as others,” Stephen explained. “It made it more difficult to do a comprehensive search.” But after discovering…