Deon’s Story: From The Stage to Forklift Operator: How Adecco Transformed A 30-Year Career

After 30 years as a professional dancer and entertainer in film, musical theatre, TV, and stage, I knew I needed a change. The entertainment industry’s physical demands and inconsistent income were becoming more and more challenging, and I wanted to step outside my comfort zone to develop some new skills with the stability of a regular paycheck.

How Transferable Skills Turned a Performer into a Logistics Professional

Adecco transformed what felt like an impossible career transition into a rewarding journey in manufacturing and logistics. Their support began with personalised career coaching which helped me identify transferable skills I never even realised I had. Adecco showed me how my dance background, with its demanding 12-13 hour rehearsals, precision requirements, and teaching experience, had actually provided me with valuable abilities that were well-suited for industrial work.

Career Coaching and Training That Made a Bold Transition Possible

Adecco’s Induction and Compliance Training program was essential in my transition. I received thorough training in workplace health and safety protocols, proper manual handling techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment. They ensured I understood all workplace policies, professional conduct expectations, and employment conditions before I stepped onto the factory floor at CSR.

What made Adecco different was their skills-based hiring approach. Instead of focusing on what industry experience I lacked, they emphasised how my coordination, stamina, quick learning ability, and team leadership from my dance career could translate into success in my new manufacturing role. This support really helped to build my confidence and also helped me adapt to my new role at a comfortable pace while maintaining safety as a priority.

I started as a casual worker with CSR and, within 12 months, I transitioned to a permanent role as a Utility Operator. Now I’m operating forklifts and working in a structured environment – the polar opposite of the unpredictable entertainment world. While the shift work has been an adjustment for me and my family, the regular salary has given us the financial stability to plan for our future which has been great.

This career change has been an incredible confidence boost, especially considering my age and having to completely pivot from what I’ve known for three decades. This is definitely thanks to Adecco’s belief in my potential and their comprehensive career coaching and training. I now feel I can continue to grow within CSR for many years to come. Adecco even identified leadership and mentoring potential in me based on my teaching background, opening more possibilities I hadn’t considered.

I really believe that Adecco didn’t just find me a job; they helped me build a sustainable new career path with clear advancement opportunities. They’ve proved to me that with the right support and training, it’s never too late to successfully transition to an entirely new industry.

If you’re considering a career change and think your skills might not transfer to a new industry, think again. Visit Adecco’s training page to discover how our expert career coaching and comprehensive training programs can help you make a successful transition.