Obeda’s story: A sliding doors moment which led to job that cares

When Obeda moved from New Zealand to Victoria with his wife, he carried little more than uncertainty.

   
With no licenses, limited experience, and no clear direction, he was told that the best he should hope for was a job in construction. It was his mother-in-law who encouraged him to visit the Thrive Hub, assuring him it could open doors.

Walking in, Obeda was welcomed warmly by Jade and the team. The supportive environment gave him a sense of belonging and unlocked something he thought he had lost — motivation and confidence.

I came in with no sense of direction. I used to work like in the waste department thinking, you know, 'oh, I'll just get a job, anything goes'. 

Then we come here and there's so much opportunity. It's just we got to get up and go and chase it. Sitting down with the team unlocked something within me — confidence, motivation, hunger. It all came back.

With guidance from the Hub, Obeda explored different options but realised his true passion was helping people. The team supported him through interview preparation and training opportunities, and within a month he secured a job working in a hospital environment in Frankston.

I realised helping people is what I truly want to do. The Hub gave me the confidence to pursue healthcare.

Now, with new skills like first aid and portering training, Obeda is building a career in healthcare with plans to upskill as a nurse. He feels proud to be supporting both elderly patients and young children, and optimistic about the future for himself and his family.