Chanthou likes getting up to go to work every morning. “I couldn’t stand being at home doing nothing now – I’d be so bored,” he says.

He laughs and says that 18 months ago when he was referred to WISE Employment’s Straight4Work program through the Compulsory Drug Treatment Centre it was a different story.

“When they came to the Centre and taught us about posture and presentation skills, it was pretty scary as none of us were used to things like that,” he explains.

Chanthou’s consultant, Marie, worked with him to identify employment and training opportunities and soon after he was offered a position at Keeper of the Cars, as a car detailer.

“It was a good job and I stuck to it for 11 months,” he said. “I received lots of training while I was working there – how to buff cars, detailing, painting, basic mechanics and fitting.” He says that his boss Gerry is a really good guy and was willing to give him a go.

Almost four hours of commuting a day started to take its toll and Chanthou recently finished up in his car detailing role. He is working with his Dad in insulation now, mainly on building sites.

“I am learning a lot about this industry already,” he says. “And now I am working with my Dad, which is great. We’ve only recently reconnected and it’s a chance to start a new relationship.”

Find out more about WISE Employment’s specialist ex-offender program.