STANDING HIS GROUND IN SEARCH FOR JOB
A GOLD Coast hospitality worker sick of sending in resumes going nowhere and following online ads has taken matters into his own hands to land a job as a tradie.
Kristofor Grant, 23, is doing everything he can to secure an apprenticeship as a plumber or an electrician, even if it means standing on the side of the road for hours a day.
The keen Nerang local has spent the last week on Spencer Rd in Nerang from 6am with a sign around his neck in order to lure a prospective employer.
“I wanted to move out of hospitality into something more secure, after the COVID shutdowns so I have been looking for anyone to take me on as an apprenticeship – but it is so tough,” he said. “I have been doing this to show people how serious I am about getting work, I am happy to get up early when they do.”
After just a few days, Mr Grant has already scored some leads from tradies passing by.
“There are a few that have given me a call to set up an interview which is great, everyone has been really supportive even stopping to say hello.
“I just want to work in their industry so I come down every morning dressed to go.
“I want to have a future that is solid, and accomplish something every day.”
As of the week ending May 23, which is 10 weeks after Australia recorded its 100th COVID-19 case, the Gold Coast had recorded a 9.2per cent decrease in jobs according to the Australian bureau of statistics.
Queensland had a 7.3 per cent decrease in jobs over the same period. The March quarter also revealed the region had a 5.5 per cent unemployment rate, with 19,000 locals out of work.