Max’s Journey To Owning His Mistakes & Moving Forward
Max had tried everything he could to find work but felt his efforts were getting him nowhere. After making a foolish mistake in his previous role he was let go and had been out of work for roughly 3 years since then. He had enjoyed his last role and was able to reflect on his mistake and knew he wouldn’t let it happen again.
From their first meeting with Max the SPAN Boost Coaches were impressed by his friendly, cheeky personality. Given that he only had a learner license, Max would ride everywhere from meetings with his coaches to job interviews on his mountain bike.
The coaches set him up with driving lessons and got him booked in for his assessment. To his surprise, he passed his test, gaining his restricted license despite thinking he would never get there.
The first hurdle Max and his coaches set out to overcome was how he would explain the reason he left his last role. His coaches helped him practice how to own his mistake while showing he has grown and matured since then.
Max confided in his coaches that he was unable to pass a drug test and he knew this would be a barrier to gaining employment.
He acknowledged that he was the only person who could change the situation and was committed to getting clean. In just a few months he was very proud to say he was clean and able to pass a test.
Max admitted he still felt very anxious going into job interviews and while he was landing a few during the SPAN programme, he was not managing to be successful. The coaches continued to practice interview skills with Max and with each session his confidence grew a little bit more.
Max impressed the coaches when he sent through a job description for a concrete cutting position. When asked if he wanted help writing a cover letter Max confidently responded, “I have already done one myself, I just wanted to let you know I applied for this”.
Soon after Max reached out again to let the coaches know he was going in to meet with the employer. The coaches squeezed him in for an interview/research session, where they spent time helping Max feel prepared to succeed. They checked he had interview clothes and a reliable ride for the day.
Max told his coaches he did not feel anxious about this meeting as the employer had called it “a chance to meet”, so Max felt there was less pressure. Max was offered a job trial the next day, so at 7am sharp his coach picked him up and took him to the half day trial. This turned into a full day of work which Max absolutely loved and he was OFFERED THE JOB!
The coaches took time to set him up for his new role, sourcing him the correct PPE for mahi and have since supported him with pastoral care. Max integrated into his new workplace well and is thriving with his new found independence.
Max’s journey on the SPAN programme demonstrates the importance of having a solid mentor who you can confide in with any concerns. Sometimes all it takes is a trusted figure to guide the candidate in the right direction and support them to feel confident in their own abilities.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client’s privacy. All other details are their true story.