When Stephen came to WISE in November 2025, he had a clear goal in mind; to find a role as a bus driver in the mining industry.
Financial pressures were building, and when an experience with another employment provider left him feeling overlooked, Stephen admits that he was feeling a bit apprehensive about the process.
However, Stephen’s positive attitude paired with encouragement from his WISE Job Coach, Jodi, meant that he felt supported from the moment he joined WISE.
“I think once you have that positivity about yourself, you can do anything in the world,” Stephen reflects.
Despite knowing exactly what he wanted to do and having the attitude to get him there, there were still hurdles that Stephen needed help to overcome. That was where Jodi and the WISE team stepped in, helping Stephen rewrite his resume, obtain his HR license and other certifications, source appropriate PPE, and apply for jobs.
“Stephen was one of my first clients at WISE – he basically came in and sat down, then said, ‘right, this is what I want to do. Are you going to be able to help me?’” recalls Jodi.
“Then we came up with a plan together.”
Not long after applying, Stephen was offered a role with Blue Tongue Skills, a contracting company working in a remote mine site near Pannawonica in the Pilbara.
Three months into his role, Stephen is feeling the positive impacts of employment on more than just his bank account. Within his first few weeks at site, he received a certificate of excellence from his employer for his positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.
“I definitely feel much happier, just feeling like I’m actually doing something.
Stephen said that while support from Jodi has been paramount, support from the rest of the WISE team has been meaningful as well.
“Everyone clapped and congratulated me and gave me a round of applause,” he says of the moment he landed the job.
“It definitely felt like I had everyone cheering me on. I think that’s the main part of the experience that will help people succeed, is if they feel like everyone is 100% behind them.”
Jodi has noticed the positive changes in Stephen as well.
“That tension Stephen carried the first few times he came in has gone now, you can see he’s just feeling a bit more at ease now that he’s working,” Jodie says.
For Stephen, this role is about more than financial relief, it’s about finding meaning and proving what is possible. He is already looking ahead to future goals, such as operating haul packs and dozers. He knows that the WISE team will be there to help him whenever he needs it; despite being comfortable and confident in his role, Jodi and Stephen are still in regular contact.
His advice to others who may feel overlooked or uncertain is simple and empowering:
“You have to have that determination and stay positive. I think anyone can do whatever they choose to do in their life… as long as you’ve got something that means something to you, and you have people around you who support you. You don’t have to prove that to anybody but yourself.”
If you are ready to take the next step towards a fulfilling career, we are here to help. You can contact your nearest WISE office today for guidance and support.
If you’re a job seeker, register your interest as a WISE job seeker
If you’re an employer, please register your job vacancies with us
Or start an ongoing partnership with WISE