From Casual Pick Packer to Operations Manager – Elijah Vaitai’s Journey

Company: The Reject Shop
Candidate: Elijah Vaitai
Former Role: Pick Packer (Casual)
Current Role: Operations Manager

Three years ago, Elijah Vaitai approached National Workforce looking for support in finding stable work. While he was open to opportunities, he had no defined career path in mind. Working closely with National Workforce’s Rocklea, he was placed at The Reject Shop’s distribution centre in June 2021. Elijah initially started on-site as a pick packer, working diligently to build his skills and demonstrate his reliability. The seamless recruitment and onboarding process made his transition into the role smooth. From the start, Elijah felt valued and supported, recalling that his first interactions with National Workforce were welcoming and engaging.

“The onboarding process was fun, easy and personable. They made sure every new hire felt welcomed and supported.”

The Journey from Casual to Operations Manager

As Elijah gained experience, he took on additional responsibilities beyond his initial pick packing duties. He was eager to develop new skills and quickly became proficient in voice picking and other operational tasks. His strong work ethic and reliability stood out to both National Workforce and The Reject Shop’s leadership team.

In June 2022, after proving his dedication and capabilities, Elijah transitioned into a permanent role with The Reject Shop. Shortly after, he was promoted to Team Leader, where he managed the Sort and Pick Module areas. His leadership skills continued to shine, and he played a crucial role in ensuring smooth warehouse operations.

Over time, his supervisors took note of his ability to problem-solve, lead teams effectively and maintain high productivity levels. In the past couple of months, Elijah has now moved into the role of Operations Manager at The Reject Shop. Reflecting on his journey, he still finds it remarkable how quickly things progressed:

“I started on the floor as a pick packer with National Workforce, and now, three years later, I’m the Operations Manager. When I think about it out loud, it’s crazy how quick everything happened.”

The Role of National Workforce in His Success

Elijah credits National Workforce for not only providing him with the opportunity but also supporting him every step of the way. From ensuring seamless payroll processes to checking in on his experience, National Workforce maintained an ongoing relationship with him even after his transition to a permanent role.

“National Workforce truly puts people first. Their values and focus on people made me want to stay and grow with them.”

He also appreciates how the agency prioritises relationships over transactions. Unlike some recruitment agencies that focus solely on filling roles, National Workforce made sure he felt seen and valued throughout his employment journey.

“I never felt like just a statistic to them – I was a person. That’s why I’ll always recommend National Workforce to others.”

Seeing Recruitment from the Other Side

Now that Elijah is an Operations Manager, he’s had the unique experience of working with National Workforce from the client side. As someone who has been through the process himself, he understands firsthand the importance of quality recruitment and strong partnerships.

He continues to collaborate with National Workforce to bring in new hires and appreciates how well they understand both the business’s needs and the candidates they place.

“Now that I’m on the other side of recruitment, I see how well National Workforce understands people. It’s more than a partnership – it’s a relationship.”

The Impact of a People-First Approach

Elijah’s journey highlights the power of a people-first approach to recruitment. Through National Workforce, he found a role that not only provided immediate employment but also paved the way for long-term career growth.

For businesses, Elijah’s success story serves as a testament to the value of hiring and developing talent from within. It also reinforces the importance of partnering with a recruitment agency that prioritises people over placements.

Elijah’s rise from a casual pick packer to an Operations Manager is a shining example of how the right opportunities, combined with personal dedication and the right support system, can lead to incredible career growth.

Through National Workforce, Elijah not only secured a job – he built a career. His story is one of hard work, perseverance and the power of a recruitment agency that genuinely invests in people’s success.

For candidates seeking meaningful employment and businesses looking for workforce solutions, National Workforce continues to prove that recruitment is more than just filling positions – it’s about creating opportunities and shaping futures.

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