Four weeks ago Christine Lowe thought she may never have the opportunity to work again, on Friday she, and 11 other locals will start full time roles as benefactors of a new and unique training program.
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For the past 12 months Joblink Plus and Teys Australia have been creating a program that not only connects local people with employment by gradually preparing them to re-enter the workforce, but also increases retention rates.
Joblink Plus' Executive Manager of Training Samantha Crebert called the full time four week program "a very targeted pre-employment course."
"We built it specifically around the needs of Teys so we go through induction, safety procedures and policies to start," she said.
"The work is physically demanding and many people fail the medical, so we have been working with Rural Fit, and have gradually stepped down to a 6.20am start to match shift times.
"It's all programmed to give participants a softer landing - a chance to be involved, and stay employed."
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For Ms Lowe the course has been a life changing experience, and she can't wait to start in the boning room of the abattoir on Friday.
"I have been unemployed for two years, and at 53 didn't think anyone was going to give me another go," she said.
"I have really benefited from the physical training and feel a lot healthier and happier anyway - it is exciting to be back in the workforce and a proper pay is going to make a huge difference to my life."
Fellow student Ben Hamm hopes the steady job can keep his family together and out of "a financial rough patch."
"There has been a lot of one on one, and they listen when we speak or ask questions," he said.
"I have been able to start on night shift so I can drop the kids to school - having a full time job is going to help me and my family a lot."
Teys HR Manager Tony Dean hopes the course "takes the surprise out of starting work again", and is keen to see a greater success rate in terms of retention and local employment.
The pilot course was run with six people late last year, and three months later four remain employed, while 15 started this second course, with 12 going all the way through.
"For a pilot program we are calling that a success, and looking to build from here," Ms Crebert said.
"This is the first course of its kind, and we have worked very hard and very closely with Teys to get it to work."
