FOR about 18 months, Echuca’s Bryson Ross, 20, found himself bouncing from workplace to workplace.
And it appeared his challenges were only growing when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Campaspe Shire has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment in regional Victoria — sitting at above 30 per cent — in a region that includes Greater Shepparton and Moira Shire.
But when he was faced with another bump in the road it only made Bryson more determined to get out in the workforce.
His big moment came recently when he was offered a paTH internship — an Australian Government youth work pathway program — by Automotive Performance Fabrication Echuca.
And it’s possible the trial could see Bryson land an apprenticeship.
“It’s been a great experience so far and I am really enjoying it,” he said.
“I’m a huge car enthusiast so it’s good I get to work with cars. I found my love for cars when I was playing the video game Need for Speed.
“The job is really tiring and straining, but that’s expected considering it is such a physical challenge.”
Bryson’s love of cars also extends beyond the shop floor into his home life.
“I spend a lot of time on Car Sales,” he said.
“I’m still trying to look for my first car, but I’m not too sure what I want. As long as it gets me from point A to B I will be happy.”
Sureway area manager Scott Thomson said it was great to see Bryson break through for another opportunity.
“He has worked really hard to get this chance,” he said.
“Throughout the time he has been with us, Bryson has done everything we have asked of him.
“He has done all the employability skills training, learnt how to do interviews and the best way to speak to people.
“One of the best things I’ve seen is the fact he is willing to put his hand up for anything.
“With the number of knockbacks he’s had he could easily given up, but to his credit he has kept working away.”
APF Echuca owner Daniel Haffenden said he was pleased to be able to offer Bryson the chance to show off his skills.
“I understand how difficult it can be for the younger generation to get a job,” he said.
“One of the big things I’ve noticed is that kids get to around 15-16 years of age and they are still unsure of what they want to do next.
“It’s important to get a taste of a line of work because in the end it can become what you do for a lifetime.”
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