Read below an article published in the Fairfield City Champion about Sophark, who gained new skills during a Work for the Dole placement with the Canley Heights Salvos Store, and has now gained employment at the store.
Persistence pays off: Sophark Khim is thrilled to secure employment at the Salvos Store in Canley Heights. Picture: Simon Bennett.
15 July 2014
By Bianca Perez
FINDING a job had never been easy for Canley Heights resident Sophark Khim.
But after six years of trying, she finally landed herself a job at the Salvation Army store in her home town.
“These days, employers want a certificate and experience in the field but I would either have one or the other, not both like they required,” she said.
“I’ve been looking for work since 2008 so I was really excited when I was offered a casual job at the Salvos Store last month.”
But it was thanks to Jobfind and the government’s work-for-the-dole scheme, which helped the 27-year-old achieve her goal.
In 2009, Miss Khim turned to Cabramatta’s Jobfind Centre as a Stream 4 job seeker.
She said the organisation taught her skills and work experience to improve her chances of employment.
“I’ve always wanted to do retail so my Jobfind consultant referred me to a work experience opportunity with the Salvation Army at their Canley Heights Salvos store in April 2013,” she said.
“After doing work experience, I still struggled to find work so I came back to the Salvos Store to complete a compulsory activity phase under the work-for-the-dole scheme in March.”
Three months later, Miss Khim was offered the casual role of store assistant.
She is now working at the cash register and restocking shelves.
The Canley Heights Salvos Store manager said Miss Khim had proven to be a quick learner and enthusiastic with each task that was set for her.
