Asuria Australia News

Monique takes on QuayClean, learning the skills needed to enter the working world

Written by Asuria | Jan 22, 2024 4:41:37 AM

After finishing high school, Monique excitedly enrolled in a degree in Sports Science. However, towards the end of her degree, she put in a leave of absence to explore other interests and hoped to find a casual or part-time job. It was during this time that Monique was introduced to Asuria.   

Monique started at Asuria’s Moonee Ponds office in November 2022 and was connected with an Asuria Youth Mentor, who took the time to learn about Monique’s experience, skills and job interests, and create a plan to build up her skillset and prepare her for entering the workforce.  

Monique’s Youth Mentor had heard about QuayClean, a national cleaning and waste management services company that offers training programs to help job seekers prepare for entering work. 

In collaboration with Tennis Australia, QuayClean operate a pre-employment training program that aims to drive significant improvements to recycling at the Australian Open by educating patrons on correct waste disposal. 

Monique’s Youth Mentor knew that this program would provide valuable experience and practical, transferrable skills to help Monique find work. After presenting the opportunity, which Monique was excited to join, Asuria assisted her in enrolling for the program. To prepare for joining the QuayClean program, Asuria assisted Monique in enrolling in the program, and obtaining a police check, which was a requirement of participating.   

Monique was excited to participate in the program and committed to attending all sessions and completing all assessments. Her training covered cleaning techniques, customer service, and workplace safety. Asuria provided ongoing support to ensure that Monique progressed well as she prepared to venture into the Australian Open.  

Through sweltering heat and rained-out days, Monique contributed her efforts as part of QuayClean’s round-the-clock team that supported this sustainability initiative, welcoming over 900,000 patrons to the Melbourne Olympic Parks throughout the tournament. She was responsible for engaging with patrons and assisting them with placing their waste in the correct stream, focusing on education and awareness around correct rubbish disposal.  

Throughout the event, she learned to liaise with multiple teams, including events, admin, recruitment, shift workers and leadership teams, giving her valuable insight into a new industry and communication essentials. These insights have given Monique transferrable skills that will act as a foundation to look for new opportunities. 

Monique found the program challenging but rewarding, and was pleased to have the opportunity to learn new skills and boost her confidence. Since completing the program, Monique has worked with her Youth Mentor to finesse her resume and pursue a new career in beauty therapy. She is currently participating in a beauty therapy course and looks forward to using her new skills when she steps into paid employment. 

Reflecting on Monique’s progress throughout the program, her Youth Mentor commented, “It has been a treat to work alongside Monique and support her in fulfilling her goals. I have watched her grow increasingly confident and self-assured in her skills and abilities. I am excited to continue this journey with her and accomplish her next dream.”

Monique shared her thoughts on connecting with Asuria, “Asuria is supportive of everything you want to achieve and is always looking out for you! My experience with them so far has been absolutely amazing and has made it an effortless transition from studying to looking for work with heaps of help! I feel so incredibly supported by them with everything I want to achieve! My Youth Mentor continuously checks in on me and lets me know about jobs they believe would suit me.” 

If you’re between the ages of 15-24 and looking for support to get the skills, experience, and qualifications needed for a pathway into work or study, click here to learn about Asuria’s Transition to Work Services.