By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
MISSION Australia’s south-east Melbourne boss is no stranger to dramatic career change.
Tracey Janda’s first job of choice wasn’t with the welfare agency, but in maintaining the Royal Australian Navy’s “big guns” as an electronic weapons technician.
She toured overseas on navy ships before settling down with her naval husband and running childcare centres.
“It was my way of getting to travel the world. I learnt about working as a team, got skills for leadership. I loved every minute,” she said of her initial job.
“But I always loved working with children. I realised I wanted to go back to the passion.”
The Dandenong-based manager heads several Mission Australia programs to help children, families and the unemployed in the regions.
One of the programs, Connections to Employment, helps 48 clients connected with the Department of Human Services – including those in public housing, disability, child protection and youth justice areas.
They can include the long-term unemployed and those who want to take a plunge on a new career.
The program’s unique characteristic is it matches clients to local businesses’ skill shortages.
It organises training for its clients in those skills and gives support to the business and client after they are placed together.
There’s no shortage of potential clients. In the past year, Dandenong’s official unemployment rate has gone up by a full point to 9.1 per cent.
“The key is to get businesses on board and to sign up,” Ms Janda said.
Dennis Toogood, owner of home maintenance business Dennis Around the House, said signing on 46-year-old client Dillon from the program had been a success story.
“I really needed someone, particularly someone with painting skills.
“Dillon is really enthusiastic and is loving the chance to be working. I couldn’t do without him.”
Details: Rosemary Nelson, 9213 2500 or 0427 957 013.
