Highlights, updates and news from Dress for Work

2022 has a been a big year for Dress for Work, we’ve brought record numbers of young men through our various programs, established new partner relationships, refurbished our Bankstown showroom, grown our mentoring and job readiness programs, and expanded into providing trade wear.

In addition to our services, we’ve created a new website and produced video and social media content featuring our services and testimonials from both partners and clients. There’s been plenty of great news and now we have a monthly forum to share ongoing updates with our partners and stakeholders. We are very pleased to invite you to share our journey.

Dress for Work program members from Birrong and Chester Hill High Schools had the chance to rub shoulders with the news makers and take an exclusive tour around the 7 News studio in Sydney. Organised by news presenter Michael Usher, the boys were invited onto the set to watch the live recording of the news update segment.

Michael has been a great supporter of the Dress for Work program and was a fantastic host, showing the boys around the studio and production areas where news vision is gathered from camera crews, reporters write their stories and video editors put them together.

The boys were able to ask questions of the entire 7 News crew and gained an insight into what it takes to pursue a career in television. The visit was hugely successful not just as a learning experience but giving these young men the confidence to know they can fit into a workplace with a great career path.

CHECK OUT VIDEO TO SEE WHAT CLIENTS 
AND PARTNERS HAVE TO SAY

Over the past six months we have branched out to assist even more young men, and those from underprivileged backgrounds, not just in Sydney’s west but around the state.

This initiative has been very well received with our new “Pack and Parcel” service helping us to deliver suits and work clothes across rural and regional areas such as Dubbo and Peak Hill (pictured above) in the state’s central west.

Through our partnerships with other social welfare organisations and schools we have assisted almost 200 clients since the start of July.

After arriving in Australia last year, Damiolla tried hard to find work but his English was poor and he lacked confidence in interviews. He was introduced to Dress for Work and was advised a career in hospitality would suit his skills, improve his English and boost his confidence.

Having secured a job, after four months he returned armed with the ambition of advancing his career. He says Dress for Work taught him that perseverance was an integral quality for moving ahead, “I wanted to quit my restaurant job, but I stuck at it and now I want to do what I deserve and never wash another dish at work”.

He’s now started a journey that’s opening up a range of new opportunities where he not only feels happy but confident in his future.

• January program visit to APM Disability Employment Services at Wollongong and Moss Vale to help job seekers look their best.

• January group visits to our Bankstown showroom from Youth off the Streets and Kingsgrove North High School.

We’ve had some great success stories as Program Coordinator Saleh Jaidi connects with program partners, schools and clients.

"It has been great having Saleh come in to work with the boys. He has connected well with all the students in our transition group and it has been great to see the way that they respond to his advice, instructions and mentoring."

Conor Dolan, Teacher, Rowland Hassall School

"Dress for Work has helped to build my confidence when looking for jobs and has also helped to improve my communication skills. Saleh has taught me how to apply for jobs online and in person. I believe his help has increased my chances of finding employment."

Ryan Preston, School Captain, Rowland Hassall School