Job Seekers
MEDIA RELEASE 8th June 2011
A dream comes true for Philip Edmonds thanks to Job Futures and the Bridging The Gap
Last month, Philip Edmonds was one of the first Indigenous participants to take part in one of the legs of the HMB Endeavour’s historic 2011-2012 circumnavigation of Australia.
On the ten-day voyage from Brisbane to Gladstone as part of the ship’s crew, Philip was understandably a bit shaky on the sailing techniques at first but he soon found his sea legs and was able to fulfill his dream to sail the Endeavour. “The whole experience was awesome. I can’t believe I did it,” he said.
Philip was raised by his Mum and Nan who are extremely proud of him and his achievements. Local actor and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kyle Morrison has been Philip’s mentor for many years, encouraging him to take on challenges, step out of his comfort zone and never lose sight of his dreams.
Philip is registered with Job Services Australia Bridging The Gap in Spearwood W.A. His Employment Advisor Deborah Paggi has worked closely with Philip to ensure he develops the best possible skills to achieve his goal of working in the mining industry. Philip is attending Bridging The Gap’s Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) where he undertakes a Leadership course conducted through TAFE and takes part in other challenges set by the IEP. Through the Job Services Australia (JSA) program, Philip completed a Career Guidance course and has almost completed his Customer Contact Certificate II. Parallel servicing of both Job Services Australia and the Indigenous Employment Program will continue until Philip gains full-time employment. The Bridging The Gap staff describe Philip as a funny guy with loads of ambition to succeed. “He has a great sense of humor and will give anything a go,”says Deborah Paggi..
“My experience on the Endeavour sure took me outside my usual comfort zone,” said Philip.”Some of the challenges on board included participating in a range of leadership roles, general ship hand duties, cooking for 52 people, communicating with people of all ages and nationalities, team building activities and ,most of all, overcoming my fears. That mast is a long way up, but I reckon it would take a much quicker time to get down if you weren’t careful.”
“We all believe that Philip will achieve whatever he puts his mind to,” says Colin Kerr, Bridging the Gap’s CEO, “I look forward to the next step in Philip’s career path when he secures a position in the mining industry.”
“All of us at Job Futures Bridging The Gap wish Philip all the best and we will continue to support and guide him throughout his career.”
For more information about the Bridging The Gap’s work with local job seekers or to arrange an interview with Philip Edmonds and Colin Kerr, CEO of Bridging The Gap, please contact Bridging the Gap on 9550 1111.
