A Fresh Start: Maksim's Journey with AWX

We sat down with Maksim, one of our AWX candidates and learnt about his experience moving from New Zealand to the Sunshine Coast discovering career opportunities with AWX. 

Smiling person in a dark shirt sitting indoors by a window with a scenic view outside

Seizing new opportunities 

Maksim, like many others, was drawn to the Sunshine Coast for its opportunities and its competitive wages. "The industry I work in is relatively small in New Zealand," Maksim reflected. "I was looking for opportunities to progress and grow in my career, and Australia seemed like the perfect place for that." 


A fresh start down under 

Maksim's move to Australia wasn't just about professional growth, it was also a fresh start. "After living in New Zealand for the last 25 years, I was excited about starting anew. The prospect of better pay and a lower cost of living in Australia made the decision even easier," he explained. Living in Australia has met Maksim's expectations, and more. The laid-back beach culture, outdoor adventures, and a strong sense of community align perfectly with his lifestyle. "It's everything I hoped for and more. The Sunshine Coast is particularly enchanting," he added. At the weekend you’ll find Maksim out exploring in his 4WD or going fishing. 


First impressions 

Maksim's first job in Australia with Spence Doors showcases the supportive environment he found at AWX. He initially applied for a role as a general factory hand, sending in his resume and connecting with AWX Account Manager, Zac, who played a crucial role in his professional development. Maksim's background in CNC routers didn't go unnoticed, and soon, he found himself in that department, which he was passionate about. 


Reflecting on his early days at the job, Maksim shared, "For a couple of weeks, I watched and learned, fortunately for me, I had the experience, so about five days in, I started..." This willingness to adapt and learn demonstrates Maksim's proactive approach to his work. 

Starting as a casual temp worker, Maksim's commitment didn't go unnoticed. Just two months into his role, the factory manager offered him a permanent position, a goal he had been working toward with Zac's guidance. He appreciates the security of a permanent role, saying, "It takes a lot of 'what ifs' off the back of your mind." 


Mentoring and growth 

Maksim's journey with AWX has been guided by mentors like Zac, who has played a significant role in his professional development. "Working with Zac has been invaluable. His guidance and expertise in CNC machinery have accelerated my learning curve," Maksim said, highlighting the importance of mentorship and collaboration at AWX. "Zac has this knack for breaking down complex processes into manageable steps,” Maksim said. 


The guidance from Zac has accelerated Maksim's learning curve, enabling him to contribute more effectively to his role. "Zac has this wealth of experience that he generously shares. It's like having a shortcut to gaining expertise in CNC," Maksim said. 


Maksim’s expertise lies in working with CNC machinery, a crucial technology in modern manufacturing. He's mastered the art of writing code and sending it to the machines, which then execute tasks. "CNC is integral to manufacturing across various industries, and being part of it has been incredibly fulfilling," Maksim says. 


Maksim's journey from New Zealand to the Sunshine Coast showcases the opportunities that AWX can offer. At AWX, we celebrate the diverse journeys that our candidates embark on! Looking for a fresh start? Explore now!

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