A First Nations man who faced the harsh realities of securing employment with a criminal record has spoken about the feeling of hopelessness he felt and how he turned his life around after someone believed in his abilities in the hope that his story will inspire others.

Sydney's Thomas Wright had battled introversion and disengaging behaviour.

His past had a pervasive stigma attached to it, and he struggled to see a future and a way to overcome his doubts and society's preconceptions.

However his journey took an unexpected turn when he was referred through his local Centrelink to a job agency last year.

He didn't know it at the time, but the referral marked the beginning of a life-changing friendship when Mr Wright was paired with a dedicated mentor, Nicole Norris, who took him under her wing.

Mr Wright and and Ms Norris hit it off from the moment they met. Ms Norris immediately acknowledged Mr Wright's feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness, and set to work identifying his unique skillset and designing a career pathway that he could become excited about.

With a focus on Mr Wright's holistic development, she worked with him and watched him become more confident through their conversations and her pep-talks.

Ms Norris saw an opportunity for Mr Wright to be part of the a Maritime Operations program, which is a collaboration between Asuria, Babana Aboriginal Men's Group, and Tribal Warrior.

The program offers an opportunity for Indigenous Australians to receive hands-on training in maritime operations, where he embarked on a four-week training program covering routine maintenance, survival skills, firefighting, and teamwork.

It was a pivotal moment in his life. Mr Wright said he finally saw a path in life that felt right for him, and after program leaders noticing his dedication and commitment, recruitment processes were adapted to be inclusive of people with criminal histories.

This marked a significant step recognising the power of reform and the importance of fostering a more inclusive workplace.

"What was clear from the start was that Thomas was on a determined road to change his life and the wellbeing of his family," Ms Norris said.

"We first met during the application process for the Maritime Training Program in October 2022, and from day one there was nothing I didn't admire in Thomas, from his motivation to get out of bed and on the train from Campbelltown to the City every day for the course, to his leadership and natural ability to influence the broader group of participants to grab this opportunity with both hands.

"Naturally, I was as excited as he was when we found out that he'd been offered his dream job working on Sydney Harbour with NRMA Marine, and it's been wonderful to see him thrive in his role as a deck hand."

Mr Wright's progress continued to soar as he transitioned into his new role as a general-purpose hand aboard My Fast Ferry working in Sydney's Circular Quay. His dedication and hard work led to him to being nominated for the Gili Awards.

His achievements have also been recognised as he received the TAFE NSW Supply Chain & eCommerce Student of the Year award at the Gili Awards ceremony.

He now sits on the newly established Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee at the NRMA Group, contributing his voice and insights to create a more inclusive and culturally safe organisation.

"My friendship with Thomas is just a bonus to witnessing him overcome his barriers and to be seen, not for his past, but for the contribution he can make in the future. I am proud of him and proud to call him my friend. I feel privileged to have been a part of this chapter of his life. For Thomas, put simply, the sky's (and waterway's) are the limit," Ms Norris said.

Ms Norris said Mr Wright's determination is a testament to the power of friendship and the human spirit, having watched him overcome barriers, defy stereotypes and embrace opportunities.

He has emerged as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and belief in oneself through another.

"I was in rehab. I was in a dark spot for a long time and Nicole has really lightened my life back up," Mr Wright said.

"Mate, me standing here today, I'm one proud man. Nicole has got me into a place where I'm smiling every day. I wake up every day. I go to work every day. I'm just over the moon."