Michelle’s story: Finding purpose through WorkFoundations

For Michelle, the past three months in the WorkFoundations program have been a chance to try new things and explore the kind of work she wants to do.

The program gives job seekers the opportunity to gain skills, real work experience, and take steps toward future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Michelle is completing her placement within Rise Training: Kirinari’s social enterprise providing employment training to people with disability. At Rise Training, Michelle helps trainees develop their skills and supports the team in day-to-day tasks.

“I have enjoyed meeting new people and getting out more,” she says.

Connecting with colleagues and trainees has been a highlight of her placement.

“Talking with everyone and supporting the trainees has made me feel happy and part of the team,” she says.

Learning new skills has also given her a sense of purpose and direction.

“It makes me excited to learn more about how I can support people,” Michelle says.

The experience has helped her think about the work she wants to do in the future.

“Seeing the customers happy makes me happy too and has confirmed that support work is the path I want to follow,” she says.

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, helping job seekers like Michelle build confidence, learn practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.