I have seen firsthand how each and every employee is cared for

Sophie Turner

It was the Spring of 2020, I had been working in a small jewellery shop and felt like I was destined for mediocrity in all aspects. I desperately searched for a way to change this, a way to break away from the path that I felt trapped in. This led me to a Seek Ad for an administration position with the added bonus of full-time hours and a Certificate III in Business with WPC Group.

After I applied it felt like a split second before I was booked into an interview. It was a whirlwind, especially after feeling so lost and stuck for so long. My two rounds of interviews happened so quickly and I was suddenly sitting at a desk surrounded by seasoned professionals despite me not having any previous experience in business.

Summer was on our doorstep, I had started my traineeship in an engineering firm. It was a culture shock, everyone in the office was beautiful inside and out. They welcomed me with open arms and guided me through their processes and celebrated with me as I got more comfortable talking to their clients and navigated my way around their maze-like data programs. I had never experienced a workplace before that was true to its word when they described themselves as ‘one big family’.

My 21st birthday and Christmas were getting closer. A time that should have been happy and joyful, took a turn for the absolute worst. Within a few short weeks my Mother, Grandmother, Uncle and Father had passed away. My world had been turned upside down and I felt like my mind was falling apart, dripping out my nose and clouding my vision. Everyone at the engineering firm and WPC Group could not have handled the situation with more grace, kindness, patience and care.

I was encouraged to take my time, to say goodbye to my loved ones and to heal as best I could before returning to work.

Upon my return, I struggled to do the basic tasks that I had done each day before, I felt like I was falling behind on work, I was tired and criticised myself for struggling, I felt like I was letting everyone down and I desperately wanted to make the team proud.

Death and grief is so isolating, it shows the best and worst parts of you, it forces out things you had hidden in the depths of your mind with no warning and takes control of every aspect in your life with no respite.

In September 2021 I rotated into WPC Group’s Queensland office to complete my traineeship. I went from one supportive office to another and was introduced to a vastly different working environment. I adored my time with the Engineers but I really thrived in the WPC group office. I was tasked with administration assistance of the recruitment team and learnt how to work on larger collaborative projects using multiple varying systems and programs. I continued to hone my skills in administration and expanded my training to include some elements of recruitment. Something that I’ve come to realise I have a true passion for.

Throughout my time with WPC Group, I was looked after by a mentor, as is every apprentice & trainee. They help with everything from timesheets, workplace conversations and just about everything else in between. My mentor has guided me through some of the hardest personal battles I’ve ever experienced but she’s also been there to remind me of what I was working for when all I wanted to do was throw in the towel and give up. From flowers to post work chats and snacks, she did everything she possibly could to keep me going, feeling like a normal person and constantly gaining skills to strengthen my future.

Coming to the WPC Group office has allowed me to see just how much she cares for each and every apprentice and trainee. While her treatment of me, when I was at my most delicate, seemed special, it most certainly wasn’t. All WPC mentors try their very best with everyone and exhaust every option possible to help where they can, I've seen this first hand with mentors from each state. It’s what sets this place apart from the others, their care and trust is more than just empty words and a company motto. It’s a reality and a standard that each employee holds themselves accountable to.

Without the support of my colleagues and the team at WPC Group, I would not have been able to push through what was the hardest time of my life. I have rediscovered the person I was before while also moving forward into the person that my family and I wanted me to be.

I’m a few short weeks away from gaining a recognised qualification and having over a year of varied and rich experience. Working in the WPC Group office, I have seen firsthand how each and every employee is cared for. I wasn’t just the favourite child receiving all the gifts, I was a valued employee and individual with recognised potential just like everyone else.

I’ll have a good & long story to tell my family when I see them again and I can honestly say that it’s all thanks to the experience I have had with WPC Group.

Sophie Turner

WPC Group, QLD