Nicole's building a career she thought was impossible

The physical challenges were difficult, but so too was the loss of confidence that can come from being told your working life is over.

With no formal qualifications and limited employment options that suited her circumstances, Nicole found it hard to see a path forward.

Yet one thing never changed.

She still wanted to help people.

When Nicole joined her daughter Sharni on appointments at APM for the Inclusive Employment Australia program, she decided to take a chance on herself.

"My daughter got into APM first and I was going to appointments with her and I thought, 'Oh, you know what, I'm going to give it a go.'"

That decision would change everything.

Nicole found she was eligible to join the program and met employment consultant Diane. Then she felt something she hadn't felt in years: hope.

"From the first conversation she listened, understood what I wanted and made it happen for me," Nicole said.

Diane saw how Nicole’s confidence had been worn down by setbacks but whose determination remained strong.

"Nicole was very low in confidence and because of her back she wasn't able to work at the time," Diane said.

"She would love to work as a support worker and help people."

Together, they focused on finding a role that matched Nicole's goals and physical capabilities.

APM helped Nicole speak to local employers, obtain checks needed to work in the industry, and continued to provide support along the way.

For Nicole, the difference was profound.

"I felt like I found my person that was actually going to hear me and not just push me into something that I did not want to do or more that I couldn't do."

While completing her qualification, Nicole found a role and began working as a support worker, assisting two clients for 10 hours a week.

It didn't take long for her natural compassion to shine through.

"What I enjoy most about my job is how happy my clients are that they feel supported," she said.

"I get to be part of the community and do something that I love."

Nicole’s employer, Teresa, witnessed a remarkable change.

"Once Nicole started work, her persona changed," Teresa said.

"She'd come in with a smile, very bubbly, a lot more confident knowing that she's got a bit of a future ahead and to rebuild her life."

Today, Nicole is a valued member of the team, exceeding expectations through her reliability, care and commitment to the people she supports.

And it’s not just her workplace where a meaningful transformation occurred.

"It's given me the opportunity to give my [youngest] daughter everything that she needs," Nicole said. "We can go places, do things."

For her older daughter Sharni, watching her mum rediscover confidence and purpose has been inspiring.

"It makes me feel kind of inspired that my mum was able to shift her life from, you know, being in a wheelchair struggling with her disability, to then go on to help others now that she is able to and better herself," she said.

Sharni hopes others facing similar challenges take comfort from her mother's journey.

"Seeing the way that APM have helped my mum, it shows that there are services out there that do help you and that do provide those services to people that they can see are interested and willing to do the job."

Looking back, Nicole still finds it hard to believe how much has changed.

"Being able to have a career was something that I'd just closed the doors on because I thought it would never happen," she said.

"So I am proud of everything I've achieved."