A chance encounter on Facebook has transformed into a life-changing career opportunity for 22-year-old Josh Salomon, who is now thriving in the automotive industry. The Ringwood resident had always been passionate about cars but lacked the skills to turn that enthusiasm into a career.

Everything changed when he discovered AGA’s Transition to Work (TtW) program, which connected him withRingwood Autohaus through the power of social media.

Through the TtW program, Josh not only secured his dream job but also gained confidence, independence, and valuable job application skills. “I’m really happy about it. I’ve always liked cars, but I’m not very knowledgeable about them. Now, I’ll be able to learn and gain more knowledge,” Josh said.

AGA’s Transition to Work program is a free service designed to support young people aged 15-24 in developing practical skills to secure employment. The program’s Youth Employment Consultants work one-on-one with participants, providing personalised support in areas where they need it most.

Michaela Bourke, Josh’s TtW Youth Employment Consultant, emphasised the program’s focus on empowering young individuals to thrive in their chosen careers. “We identify their passions and interests and work closely with them to build their independence and confidence,” she said.

Michaela also underscored the value of one-on-one consultations within the program, “It’s just been great being able to work closely with Josh to identify any barriers in the way to help. I’ve seen him grow in confidence, especially through one-on-one consultations where we’ve identified his strengths and abilities and referred him to various opportunities.”

The connection between Josh and Ringwood Autohaus was facilitated by Steve Roberts, AGA’s Community Engagement Coordinator and Admin and Moderator of the “Apprenticeship Jobs Melbourne” Facebook group.

This group, which has grown just shy of 30,000 members, has become a vital resource for young people seeking apprenticeship opportunities and employers looking for talented individuals. Steve’s personal experience with apprenticeships – both his children have completed them – motivated him to create a platform that bridges the gap between potential employers and young job seekers. “After COVID, the group really took off. It’s been amazing to see the number of apprenticeships secured through it,” he said.

The final step in securing Josh’s apprenticeship involved Eliza Yeoman from BUSY At Work, who played a crucial role in signing Josh up for his apprenticeship. Eliza is passionate about supporting both apprentices and employers, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce, “Eliza’s support was invaluable in finalising the apprenticeship details and ensuring that both Josh and Ringwood Autohaus were fully prepared for the journey ahead,” said Michaela Bourke.

Bart Chatchanan Maneekan, Workshop Manager and part-owner of Ringwood Autohaus, has witnessed firsthand the value of AGA’s personalised approach. “We’ve had a few apprentices come and go, but with Josh, we hit the jackpot,” Bart said.

“He came in, cleaned up, and prepared for the day’s tasks without being told what to do. He’s already capable of doing a lot without much direction, and I believe he’ll excel.”

As Josh continues to grow in his role, he’s excited about the prospect of developing his skills further. “I’m looking forward to being able to diagnose problems myself and gaining more knowledge within the industry,” he said. With the support of AGA’s Transition to Work program and the team at Ringwood Autohaus, Josh is well on his way to a successful and fulfilling career in the automotive industry.