Ready set for a new life in Australia

With a little bit of support, Reena and Saif are enjoying their employment and making a new life. 

The pair arrived in Australia from India in 2022 under protection visas. 

Determined to find their feet, they soon contacted our Craigieburn branch in Melbourne’s north and connected with YConnect mentor Antonella. 

YConnect is a program run in partnership with Jobs Victoria and supports people aged 15-24 to finish their studies or kick-start their career. 

The program helps young people across Greater Melbourne and the Bendigo region. 

“From my perspective, they have been an absolute pleasure to mentor,” Antonella said. 

“They are really both wonderfully positive, kind and very professionally impressive to say the least.” 

Taking their opportunities and looking the part

Those qualities have helped the pair quickly find work – Reena as a case manager and Saif as a courier. Saif is also attending a lifeguard course with the help of Antonella and CVGT. 

“It was an amazing turning point for us to meet Antonella at CVGT, who helped us to secure jobs,” they said. 

“She is really professional, organized, pays attention to details and is really passionate about helping people.” 

Antonella also supported Reena and Saif by connecting them with Ready Set – a charity in Melbourne that provides work-ready clothing to people looking for work. 

“To have the appropriate clothing allowed us to attend interviews with confidence,” Reena and Saif said. 

Antonella loves how passionate Reena and Saif are about their new jobs and making the most of their opportunities. 

“I wish them well in their future endeavours here in Melbourne and look forward to helping them with post-placement support,” she said. 

If you’d like to learn more about YConnect or any of the other employment programs on offer, contact us today on 132 848.