New documentary series showcasing employment challenges

Please note: Images in this article were taken before current COVID-19 safety measures were in place.

The Victorian Government’s dedicated employment service program, Jobs Victoria, connects people who are facing challenges finding work with businesses that are looking for the right people to work for them. Jobs Victoria’s objective is to break down barriers between jobseekers and employers, and to date has supported almost 9000 jobseekers in finding work.

Jobs Victoria has launched a documentary series which follows five jobseekers from different walks of life.

'Work With Me' documents the challenges faced by long-term jobseekers, the triumph of landing a job and the life-changing effect it has on them, their friends and family, and their employers.

Directed by established film and TV producer and director, Nicole Minchin (Heroes, Agony, Twentysomething), the three-part series explores the journey from jobseeker to employment for Victorians facing barriers to work – from a person with a disability to a long-term job-seeker, a single mum, a refugee and a recent school leaver.

To watch the full series of ‘Work With Me’, head to the Jobs Victoria website.

Meet the jobseekers

Mike helping a co-worker at his computer

Mike – Diagnosed on the Autism spectrum when he was three-years-old, Mike has always struggled to fit in.

Shanika – Born in Sri Lanka and recently migrated to Australia from Botswana, Shanika is a qualified accountant.

Rodney sitting at the back porch with a cup of hot beverage

Rodney – A proud Gippslander, Rodney had worked as a labourer most of his life.

Alana sitting near water fountain writing in a book

Alana – After Year 12, Alana thought it would be easy to find work, but after 60-80 job applications, she lost her confidence.

Stephen – Born in Sudan, Stephen lived in a refugee camp in Ethiopia for 17 years before receiving refugee status in Australia.