Douglas’ life-changing Employability Skills Training

Douglas, a proud member of the Qandamooka people from North Stradbroke Island, had been out of work for some time.  

He knew he had more to offer, but something wasn’t clicking.  

The job applications weren’t leading anywhere, and interviews felt like closed doors. He wanted to do more - to be more prepared, more confident, more ready. 

“I thought it might be a good idea to get myself more job ready and learn about extra things that I could be doing for myself in order to, you know, win that next job,” Douglas said. 

That decision led him to the Employability Skills Training (EST) program, a place where job seekers are given more than just tools, they’re given belief.  

EST is designed to help people re-enter the workforce or step into it for the first time, offering practical skills and emotional support in equal measure. 

APM Employment Services EST Trainer Jane, remembers Douglas’ first day clearly.  

“Really talented person,” she said. “But just wasn’t nailing the interviews and things… the leverage of where he was applying was quite a narrow base. So we taught him to broaden those horizons.” 

What made the difference wasn’t just the training, but the environment.  

Douglas found himself in a space where he could be vulnerable, supported, and seen. 

“My wonderful EST trainer, Jane, I really liked her approach,” he said. “She was able to get us to feel really comfortable in a safe space.” 

The program helped Douglas shift his mindset. He began to see new possibilities, not just in the job market, but in himself.  

He connected with others in the course, sharing experiences and building each other up. 

“What I loved best about the program was being able to relate with the other colleagues there, and not feeling like you're on your own,” Douglas said.  

“We were able to pull each other through and tackle those challenges from a different perspective.”