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

Employment and independence a perfect brew for Carmel
Carmel came to CVGT Employment Wagga with a clear goal in mind: a return to the workplace. But for someone who has an intellectual disability and has not worked since before the COVID pandemic, there have been barriers to overcome. In recent years, Carmel had attended her disability support service full time, and remaining part…

Building a support network and finding a career
For Steph, a key step towards finding meaningful employment was getting access to “useful support”. “Anxiety is such a big part of my life,” she says. “Looking for work was all new to me and I had no idea what to expect and how to do job searching and interviews. “It’s so important having someone…

Murray’s long journey to success
Long-term unemployment is a grind, and for many people it can feel inescapable. But the journey of CVGT Employment participant Murray shows how being persistent, while getting the right support, can lead to a brighter future. Murray had been part of the employment support system since 2009, struggling to overcome a series of barriers to…

Cheryl finds meaningful work after 50
Proud Wiradjuri woman Cheryl recently celebrated her six- month work milestone as a retail assistant for discount variety store Treasure Hunter in Albury, New South Wales. Having struggled with poor mental health and age discrimination in the past, Cheryl joined CVGT Employment’s Workforce Australia program looking for support to find meaningful work. “I am 53-year-old…

Overcoming trauma to forge new path
Rebecca’s employment story is remarkable for the courage and persistence she has shown. From trauma to triumph, she has rebuilt her skills and found a new career. Here she talks about her journey, and how CVGT Employment’s ParentsNext team provided the support she needed along the way. After having my son, I knew I was…

Support parents to follow their passion
Are you struggling to find a way into the career of your dreams? Our team can help you chart a path and take the first steps on your journey to meaningful employment. One of the programs helping people get their career on track is ParentsNext, which supports parents to return to the workforce after having…

Adam’s long road back to meaningful work
For many years, Adam struggled with his body. Injuries and mobility issues made life tough, while discrimination because of his disabilities meant finding work was difficult. But now, with CVGT Employment’s support, Adam is in stable work, learning new things every day. Fighting pain, depression and discrimination had been a hard road to go down.AdamCVGT…

Special Olympian Chris adds five-year service award to long list of accolades
In the world of sports, Chris McMahon has carved his name in gold, having won over 200 medals as a Special Olympian. However, among the glittering accolades there is another milestone equally cherished and significant to Chris, his five-year service award at the Eltham Leisure Centre. He just loves it! Still, after five years, he…

Ebony’s empowering employment journey
Ebony has autism and schizophrenia. Like so many people with disability she’d ‘never had a paid job before’ but knew she wanted to work in hospitality for an employer who values her uniqueness. In a world where barriers often overshadow potential, Ebony connected with CVGT Employment to help her find meaningful work. Since October 2022,…

Humanity comes with purpose for Michael
Finding meaningful work can be a profound experience for someone trying to rebuild their career. For Michael*, a regular job has renewed his passion for life. “I feel more human,” he says. “I feel proud of how far I have come.” Having confronted his serious drug and mental health problems, Michael has been employed for…

Zain builds confidence and starts a career
It has been a big year for Zain. The young man has come a long way in a short time, going from novice to meaningful work during 2023. Workforce Australia Transition to Work program Zain was referred to the Workforce Australia – Transition to Work program here at CVGT Employment back in January. “He attended…

Khyara finds confidence through Workforce Australia – Transition to Work Youth Mentorship
Workforce Australia – Transition to Work helps young people aged 15 to 24 finish education and make a start in their career. When you join the program, you get practical support, guidance, and work experience opportunities to prepare you to launch a career. Our youth mentors connect you with a range of services and provide…

CVGT Employment and City of Greater Bendigo
Since 2018, the City of Greater Bendigo and CVGT Employment have been working together to create sustainable employment. Both organisations consider it an investment in the future – a cost-effective way to deliver long-term, positive development for the community. There is also a shared ambition to support young people on their career journey. As a…

Kathy’s journey to independence
Kathy’s drive to find a meaningful career has led her on a fascinating journey. With a varied work history and a passion for plants, it was her twin teenage sons that inspired a change of career lanes. “One day, Kathy entered our Wodonga office and announced that she wanted to go into business for herself,”…

Nicole sets goals for her future
When Nicole connected with CVGT Employment ParentsNext, she was looking for direction. Identifying a career path, then knowing how to get there, can be a challenge. But that is where CVGT Employment ParentsNext consultant Skye stepped in. “Nicole wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her career,” Skye says. “We started by creating a…

Cooking up fun and success
Here at CVGT Employment, we partner with a range of fantastic organisations to help people to find meaningful employment. These partnerships help us to deliver the kind of holistic support that people need to build their skills and confidence before returning to the workplace. One of our favourite partners is Letizia’s Training & Development, formerly…

Outstanding achievements at the 2023 Apprenticeship Employment Network Awards
In November the winners of the 2023 Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at The Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. Two CVGT Employment Group Training employees were among the list of finalists this year. We are excited to announce both employees won in their categories with Ngatatji Bysouth awarded ‘School-Based Apprentice…

ParentsNext makes ‘dream job’ possible for Tammy
When Tammy joined CVGT Employment ParentsNext in Wodonga, she needed support to re-enter the workforce. As a newly single Mum of two young girls, with no childcare in place and debt mounting she started to lose confidence in achieving her employment goals. “I was feeling really low, my whole life had been flipped upside down,”…