Like many school leavers, Johnny found the task of job searching and planning for his future career daunting. Since leaving school, Johnny had helped out his cousin in the hospitality industry and worked on other bits and pieces but hadn’t quite found a job where he could see himself into the future.

Thanks to a joint effort from Landcom, Lloyd Group and the SGCH Catalyst program, Johnny is now working on the job site for the Bonnyrigg Newleaf Community Centre, right near home.

Landcom, who are the developer for Newleaf Community, have a strong commitment to lifelong learning and social sustainability. They run a Skills Exchange program that seeks to provide clear pathways for local people to access local jobs and were interested in creating an opportunity for a Bonnyrigg resident, working alongside their construction partner Lloyd Group. Lloyd Group have a collaborative approach with their clients and consultants and were more than happy to accommodate a work placement arrangement.

Johnny heard about the job opportunity when he attended a community bingo event, where   someone spoke about potential employment opportunities within the Bonnyrigg development.

Johnny, who has lived his whole life in the Bonnyrigg community jumped on the opportunity.

“I have lived in the Bonnyrigg community since birth. I have moved twice in the area before and we moved into a new house within Newleaf about three or four years ago”, says Johnny.

When Johnny expressed interest in the job, he was put in touch with the SGCH Catalyst program, a program offered to SGCH tenants to support employment and training goals.

“I was connected to the Catalyst program and spoke with Carrie. She helped me to fix up my resume and also to get my white card”, says Johnny.

Carrie Yang, Housing Plus Manager SGCH also helped Johnny prepare for the interview with Lloyd Group.  

After applying successfully, Johnny began working with Lloyd Group in July 2021 on the new community centre. Johnny reports into the Site Manager, Blaine, helping out with cleaning, labouring and learning about what Lloyd do on a day-to-day basis.

The new community centre is being built right next to the SGCH Bonnyrigg office, and despite delays with COVID and rain, Johnny is enjoying the work and learning about construction.

“I am looking forward to seeing the build finished. After that, I’ll figure out what I want to do next. I might get into landscaping or gardening as there are plans for another garden behind the community centre. Or maybe plumbing as that seems interesting too”, shares Johnny.

“Carrie would be great to help out with people leaving high school at Bonnyrigg. Before I found this job I found it really difficult. There are lots of kids who might not know how to find a job and Carrie could be a big help.”