For Rajat, being a volunteer was a chance to contribute back to his community. It soon became an ideal way to launch his career in the community services sector.
Rajat joined CTST as a volunteer in late 2022 with the aim of giving back to and being part of his community. Rajat has completed a Diploma in Community Services, and also has a Masters in Business and Professional Accounting.
“I want to use my professional skills to make positive changes and provide my services to a beautiful community.”
After four months with CTST, Rajat saw an opening to take his career to the next step.
“I noticed an internal ad from CTST advertising for paid drivers with Area Connect. I talked about this position with HR, and they encouraged me to apply. Soon after that, they called me for an interview, and then, based on my qualifications and experience, they hired me for the role.”
“I really wanted to become a driver.”
CTST volunteers are provided with opportunities to gain employment in all areas of CTST.
Along with community transport, CTST manages Area Connect, a free and flexible statewide transport option for people in regional areas to connect with jobs and training when they don’t have access to public transport.
For Rajat, volunteering at CTST was an opportunity to learn and build his skills and knowledge. Recently he became a member of the Quality, Safety and Risk Committee.
While volunteering does not guarantee paid employment, it can be a starting point to help build skills in communication, time management, customer service, and workplace relations.
“Completing a Diploma in Community Services, I tried to find a career pathway in this area and be a member of a broad organisation like CTST. CTST was able to provide me with future opportunities coming through as a volunteer first.”
"It's like a community. I think CTST has helped provide me with the platform and make positive changes in the community and someone’s life."
"I’m eager to know who my next passenger is. Depending on the customer’s wishes, I am eager to talk."
"People are really nice; they don’t treat me like a driver. They treat me as a person and a professional and I always maintain their privacy. That’s important.”
“I think volunteering is one of the best ways to be a member of any community. We should increase ourselves to do some community work, something helpful to gain experience. It’s a good platform to pursue future opportunities.”
Looking for a career pathway in the community services sector? Here’s what you need to know:
- Volunteering with CTST is during weekdays, Monday and Friday
- Volunteering is a starting point to help build skills in communication, time management, customer service, workplace relations, and teamwork.
- If you are currently in paid work, you must have at least a 12-hour break between your work and volunteering with us.
