Colleen builds skills and confidence with Inclusive Employment Australia

How much has your world changed in 20 years?

For Colleen, two decades out of the workforce raising a family, meant she was nervous about finding a good job.

Challenges with her confidence and a perceived lack of skills for today’s workplaces were impacting her ability to look for work.

And Colleen also lives with anxiety and depression and limitations on how far she can travel.

When she first came to APM Gladstone for support, she shared her concerns with employment consultant Lauren.

It was here that things started to turn around.

As part of  Inclusive Employment Australia support, Lauren listened to Colleen and spent time getting to understand her situation. Together they were able to identify the transferable skills Colleen could offer employers.

And Lauren was able to share her experience of supporting people with multiple barriers, to help Colleen recognise and challenge her thinking patterns that were having a negative impact on her actions and reinforcing her self-doubt.

An online course helped Colleen refresh her skills and build up her confidence. 

Exploring potential careers, Colleen was also able to enrol in a retail course with training partner Duke.

Lauren guided Colleen through the initial modules to help her get comfortable with the course structure and content. 

And it didn’t take long for Colleen to fly through the course. 

Today she is comfortable using digital platforms, accessing her myGov account and a variety of online tasks, which previously would have felt too intimidating. 

Colleen continues to work with Lauren to build her job readiness skills and how to connect with small businesses in her local area. 

“APM is amazing,” Colleen said.

“They gave fantastic encouragement, called every week to see how I was going, and if I needed anything, they were able to help. 

“APM has helped me out so much and has helped me with my confidence and motivation,” she said. 

Colleen is now looking ahead with purpose, and greater confidence with the right support beside her.

Learn more about the support available to help eligible job seekers prepare for, find and keep a job at Inclusive Employment Australia.