At 15 years old, Grace never imagined that four years later she would have a career where she could help other people overcome barriers that once stood in her way.
“My journey into education and employment was anything but easy,” said Grace.
Grace was unable to complete her schooling in a traditional school environment after experiencing severe bullying from both students and teachers, while also living through significant domestic violence and abuse. The combination of these experiences had a profound impact on her mental health and wellbeing, and she grew up facing barriers that felt impossible to overcome.
“For a long time, survival was my only goal,” continued Grace.
Then, at just 15 years old, through an enormous amount of hard work, determination and what Grace describes as “a miracle,” she found another pathway through TAFE, which allowed her to continue her education in an environment where she had opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Despite everything, Grace was so proud to eventually complete her education and gain valuable qualifications, an achievement that changed the direction of her life.
“For the first time, I had proven that my circumstances didn’t have to define what I was capable of achieving.”
Four years later, Grace is now 19 years old and has been working as a Job Coach with atWork Australia for almost a year.
“This was my first job. When I started, I was frightened and I had a long list of serious barriers. I wasn’t walking through the doors feeling confident or believing that I had everything figured out.”
“I was simply trying to survive one day at a time.”
Through her role as a Job Coach, Grace discovered strengths she never knew existed. Grace found her confidence, purpose, compassion and a sense of belonging. Most importantly, she discovered that her experiences could be used to help others.
“Every day, I have the privilege of working with people who are facing significant barriers. Barriers that make employment seem impossible. I understand what it feels like to look at your life and see nothing but a mountain of barriers.”
“But I also understand that barriers don’t have to be the end of the story.”
Through her role as a Job Coach, Grace walks alongside people, supporting them to overcome their barriers, providing encouragement and celebrating the small achievements as her clients build confidence and achieve their goals.
“Sometimes the biggest achievement isn’t getting a job straight away. It might be attending an appointment, making a phone call, accessing support, updating a resume, walking into an interview, believing in yourself for the first time, or simply deciding that your circumstances don’t get to define your future.”
atWork Australia gave Grace her first opportunity to enter the workforce, but now Grace feels like her job has become so much more than employment.
“This job has allowed me to discover my purpose.”
The frightened young girl who once just wanted to survive the day has become a Job Coach who gets to help others believe that they can do more than survive too. This story is an incredible example of the power of meaningful employment and the significant impact employment can play in a persons life.
“I am thriving in life, I am proud of how far I have come, and every day I have the privilege of helping others take another step towards a brighter future. Thank you, atWork Australia.”
“Sometimes, a person who hasn’t learned to believe in themselves just needs someone else to believe in them,” sadi Grace, atWork Australia Job Coach.
Get in touch today on 1300 080 856, or register your interest online, and let’s connect you with one of our many passionate Job Coaches who will work tirelessly to get you the right job with the right employer.