Meet Matthew, Employer Advocate for Central Western Sydney and Fairfield area at MTC FutureReady. At 35 years old, Matthew is passionate about helping people connect with meaningful employment opportunities. After finishing school, he studied Media and Communications, completing both a Bachelor’s degree and a Diploma within 24 months before gaining experience in the industry.

Outside of work, Matthew prioritises spending quality time with his wife and their daughter, who recently celebrated her second birthday. Watching his daughter learn, grow, and explore the world has been his life’s greatest joys. He also enjoys following Rugby League, probably more than he should, and continues to grow in his personal journey of faith.

Can you tell us about your career journey? 

I previously worked with ALDI for approximately 8 and a half years, beginning as a Store Assistant and progressing to the role of Assistant Store Manager. Seeking a change in direction, I was drawn to the opportunity to give back to the community where I grew up.

I then transitioned into employment services, commencing as an Employment Solutions Partner in a business development capacity—a type of role I’ve continued to undertake across various organisations under different titles. My initial position was within the Transition to Work contract, where I found supporting young people in securing their first job or establishing a career pathway particularly rewarding.

Following the conclusion of that role, I explored private recruitment. However, I found it less fulfilling and chose to return to the employment services sector. Since then, I’ve gained experience across a range of programs, including Disability Employment Services, Transition to Work, and ParentsNext Employment Service contracts. This progression ultimately led me to join MTC FutureReady in November last year, where I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role to date.

How did you come to work as an Employer Advocate?

In my first role within the industry, I was fortunate to have a highly supportive mentor who provided invaluable guidance, shared her experience, and helped build my confidence in developing business relationships. Her support played a significant role in my professional growth, enabling my success and contributing to where I am today.

What’s something interesting about your role that most people wouldn’t know?

Being able to see the inner workings of the businesses I work with is something most people wouldn’t expect. Understanding their recruitment processes is one thing, but being invited on tours and seeing behind the scenes across many different industries is fascinating.

Gaining an understanding of how different businesses operate logistically, as well as the technology they use, is something I find really interesting. It wasn’t something I expected when I first ventured into this type of role.

What approach do you take when connecting job seekers with the right opportunities?

I take a very personalised approach. In what we do, one size does not fit all. While I don’t get as much time with our participants as our Employer Practitioners do, I try to get to know them as much as possible.

I want to understand their goals and ambitions for their next step, whether that’s pursuing a career path, returning to the workforce, starting their first role, or a combination of all three. From that foundation, I try to connect people with like-minded employers.

I look for employers that offer not only the right job opportunities for our participants, but also the right culture and values that align as closely as possible with MTC FutureReady’s values. Whether that’s through existing industry contacts or by building new relationships, my focus is always on finding the best fit for our participants.

I find this approach is the most effective way to create genuine, sustainable employment opportunities for our job seekers and participants.

How do you adapt your approach when working with people from different backgrounds or with different needs?

It’s all about understanding people where they’re at. In my experience, every single one of us comes from a different background, with different life experiences, challenges, and needs. Taking the time to understand each person’s individual circumstances allows me to adapt my approach and provide the right support for them.

I think this advice will get anyone who follows it far in life, we’re only here once and it doesn’t cost anything to share your kindness with the world. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Be anxious for nothing.

What would you say to your 21-year-old self?

If there’s something you can’t control, or something weighing on your mind that won’t matter in a year’s time, stop wasting your energy on it. Focus on the things you can control.

Be yourself, work hard, and don’t worry about the future. Life turns out to be great. Don’t waste a day.