Participant Jackie Taylor has gone from strength to strength after taking part in the course in 2011. Since completing the course Jackie has secured permanent part-time employment in a local Café and is continuing to extend her skills and knowledge training in hospitality.
Jackie came to BUSY after being unemployed for 18 months due to having limited work experience. Jackie applied for the Get BUSY For Work pre-employment program as life had been very challenging for her due to the struggle of finding employment.
As a result of taking part in the course Jackie gained valuable skills and qualifications, successfully completing the Certificate 2 in Self Awareness and Development and Senior First Aid Certificate. Jackie has also gained the Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate (RSA) which she completed in her own time.
Michael Carroll, Youth Project Officer for BUSY At Work, says Jackie was very dedicated to the course.
“Jackie was a stand out student who showed amazing commitment and was an example to others involved, often staying back to help her peers in the programme,” he says.
In the final weeks of the course, Jackie obtained a position as a waitress at the Hog’s Breath Café in Ipswich. On completion Jackie was offered 25-30 hours per week along with training in several areas of the business including the bar, waitressing, front of house and kitchen duties. Her boyfriend has also since been employed at the Café as a kitchen-hand.
For Jackie and her partner, having regular income has impacted greatly on their quality of life. As a result of being employed they’ve been able to secure their first private rental, providing the security they have longed for.
“We’re the happiest we’ve been in a very long time. I can now afford luxuries like getting my hair and nails done, buying new clothes and eating out,” Jackie says.
When asked what she gained most out of the program Jackie answered, “I learnt heaps about myself and gained lots of great skills in the workshops. It was fun hanging out with people my own age who were in the same situation as me. Overall the course has increased my self esteem and made me feel worthy of having a good life.”
