Saving to buy a house. Studying Management at University. Working Full Time.

Saving to buy a house. Studying Management at University. Working Full Time.  

None of this seemed possible to Johnny ten years ago. Johnny commenced with Global Skills Parramatta office two years ago as a jobactive job seeker with no stable or recent work history.

“I hadn’t worked for ten years and really lacked confidence and motivation,” Johnny said. 

“But within five months of working with Global Skills to build my skills and improve my mental health they found me work at Continental Patisserie in October 2018 and I have been there ever since. 

“Honestly, I don’t know where I would be if wasn’t for the help I received. They helped with interview and work clothing, helped me get my car and forklift licence and paid for my initial travel costs.” 

Now 49, Johnny finds himself with stable income and housing, receiving superannuation for the first time and saving for a home. 

“I have really landed on my feet with Continental Patisserie. I get to see some amazing cakes and desserts being made every day.” 

A large-scale commercial kitchen, Continental Patisserie’s major clients pre-Covid were airlines, hotels and events. 

“We were hit really hard at first, but Jian [owner], he was amazing. He worked around the clock to diversify the customer base – caterers, restaurants, retail outlets and opening our own store. We started supplying the army and staff working in quarantine. In fact, we will come out bigger and better and we’ve had to put a new kitchen in. He worked really hard to ensure the business survived and staff could be looked after,” Johnny said. 

It was during some downtime during Covid that Johnny decided to enrol in a Management Degree at Open University Australia. 

“It was something I wanted to do but things got in the way. I hope to see myself in a management role down the track, which was something I could only dream about before.” 

And his favourite Continental Patisserie dessert?  

“Cheesecakes. But I’ve got to do a lot of bushwalking and bike riding to justify it.” 

Congratulations Johnny on your amazing progress!