In the next of our 2024 NESA Awards for Excellence follow-up blogs, we’re thrilled to celebrate Asuria’s National Activations Manager, Esther Garforth, who was named Employer Engagement Practitioner of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights her groundbreaking efforts in revolutionising employer engagement practices across Tasmania, setting new benchmarks for success.
With over 11 years of experience in employment services and recruitment, Esther has consistently demonstrated excellence in connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. Her impact is best illustrated by the remarkable achievements of her team in Tasmania, where her three Employment Consultants currently hold the top three positions for placements within Asuria's National Employer Team.
"Esther's innovative approach to employer engagement has redefined what's possible in our sector," says Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO of Asuria Australia. "Her ability to create meaningful connections between employers and job seekers, particularly in challenging markets, has not only transformed individual lives but has also reshaped how businesses think about inclusive employment."
Working in Tasmania, where workforce participation rates are the lowest in Australia at 60.7% and youth unemployment reaches 10.7%, Esther has pioneered creative solutions to complex employment challenges. Her work with Cripps Bakery is the perfect example of her approach, where she revolutionised traditional recruitment practices by implementing a pre-screening processes and informal site walkthroughs with incredible results.
Under her leadership, the Employer Team in Tasmania secured employment for 373 participants by June 2024. Her impact extends beyond numbers, however, as she has developed nine pre-employment courses and co-designed 17 pre-employment programs covering diverse skills in high-demand industries.
Esther’s commitment to inclusive employment also included a groundbreaking pre-release prisoner program and partnerships with Community Corrections to support employment for participants under corrections orders, as well as addressing critical workforce needs in sectors such as childcare.
As National Activations Manager, Garforth now applies her talents and passion for employment across Victoria and New South Wales, while continuing to mentor new Employment Consultants and maintain her leadership presence in Tasmania.
Though her win at the NESA Awards highlights the crucial role of dedicated professionals like Esther in creating pathways to employment for those facing barriers to work.
Her success story not only demonstrates how innovative thinking, combined with a deep understanding of both employer and job seeker needs, can create lasting positive change in communities across Australia, but how far-reaching the ripple effects of a desire to bring about change can travel.