Return to work assist success story: Tim from Richlands
2011 is set to be a good year for Richlands local Tim Bailey as
he finally returns to the workforce after suffering a severe back
injury in 2009 whilst working as a mechanic.
Not able to go back to his original career, Tim is now sharing
his passion with the next generation of young mechanics in his new
role as a course trainer with Trades Recognition Australia which he
started at the end of 2010.
An experienced diesel fitter mechanic, Mr Bailey was told by
doctors that he would be unable to return to his physically
demanding pre-injury position, and after his workers' compensation
claim was finalised, Mr Bailey found himself without a job.
Tim contacted Return to work assist, a free
service offered by Q-COMP, the workers' compensation authority,
that connects people who have suffered a workplace injury and are
without jobs, with training and job placement services.
The team at Return to work assist worked with Tim to keep him
working in the field he loves, whilst accommodating his back
injury. Return to work assist organised for Tim to meet with
Trades Recognition Australia where he undertook his Cert IV in
Training and Assessment.
"My Return to work assist advisor was extremely helpful; she put
me in contact with the people I'm currently working for, and really
did assist and guide me, and helped me decide the best way to go.
She checked in with me every couple of weeks to see how I was
going, and she even followed up with me a few weeks after I started
my new job." Tim says.
Tim was offered a job with Trades Recognition Australia upon
completion of this training and is now a course trainer with the
organisation.
Tim says what he loves most about his new role as a course
trainer is being able to use the knowledge he already had to help
other people get qualified.
Sonia Minniecon, Return to work assist Manager at Q-COMP
couldn't be more pleased with Tim's success: "Getting injured at
work doesn't have to mean the end of your career. Return to
work assist gives Queenslanders options if they find themselves out
of work because of an injury".