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.

The post Michelle’s story: Finding purpose through WorkFoundations appeared first on Kirinari.

WorkFoundations is a paid employment program that gives job seekers the chance to build skills, gain real work experience and work towards future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Matt is completing his placement with EnviroCulture, where he’s working in landscaping and taking on a wide range of hands-on tasks including mowing, whipper-snippering, mulching, fencing, planting, sanding and irrigation.

Before joining WorkFoundations, Matt had never had a job. He says not having work experience made it hard to get started.

“I didn’t get a job when I was a kid, so I didn’t have any experience.”

Since starting his placement, Matt says he’s proud of the way he’s committed to showing up.

“I haven’t skipped a day. I’ve tried to push myself outside of my comfort zone.”

That effort has helped build his confidence too, especially when it comes to talking to new people.

“I’m more confident talking to people I don’t know.”

The routine of work has also brought change to Matt’s day-to-day life, and the experience is helping him learn more about the kind of path he wants to take.

“It’s given me a little bit more clarity about what I do or don’t want to do in my career.”

And when asked what he’s most excited about for the next few months, Matt’s answer is refreshingly honest.

“To see how much is in my bank account.”

For Matt, the opportunity has been about more than just learning practical skills, it’s also been a chance to get real experience.

“The program is great because there are friendly, understanding people and I’ve got my foot in the door with some real experience.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Matt as they build skills, confidence and experience for the future.

The post Matt’s story: Building confidence and gaining real experience appeared first on Kirinari.

For Angel, that opportunity has already made a real difference.

Three months into his placement, Angel says he’s feeling more confident than ever before.

“It’s incredible. I feel more confident than I’ve ever been before, in both a social and work environment.”

Angel is completing his placement with Albury Business Connect, where he’s supporting the team with a range of marketing tasks including administration, research, copywriting, and writing and sending EDMs.

Before starting WorkFoundations, Angel had never had a job.

He says a lack of experience and confidence made it difficult to get started.

“Lack of experience and lack of confidence was probably what ruined all of those interviews.”

Since beginning his placement, Angel says a lot has changed.

“Lots has changed. I’m more confident and have more friends.”

He’s proud of the positive feedback he’s received so far, and of how much he’s stepped outside his comfort zone.

“It’s provided lots of opportunities for me to step up.”

That shift has also changed the way Angel feels about what comes next.

“I’m a lot more optimistic. When I first started, I was unsure, and prior to the program, very pessimistic.”

With three months still to go, Angel is looking forward to continuing to learn and build on what he’s already achieved.

“I’m excited for more opportunities to build my skills.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Angel as they work towards their goals and take positive steps in their career journey.

The post Angel’s story: Growing confidence through WorkFoundations appeared first on Kirinari.

WorkFoundations is a paid employment program that gives job seekers the chance to build skills, gain real work experience and work towards future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Kayliah is completing her placement at Rise Espresso, where she works as an all-rounder on the café floor. Her days include delivering coffees, running food, taking orders, doing dishes and helping out behind the scenes.

Three months in, she says she’s feeling right at home.

“I feel happy. I love going into the café.”

Kayliah says one of the biggest changes since starting has been the independence she’s gained.

“It’s given me a bit of confidence because I’ve gained independence and feel more comfortable in that.”

While Kayliah had worked before, this experience has still helped shift the way she approaches her work.

“I feel more motivated to go in and make something out of my day.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited about the possibility of gaining more hours and continuing to build connections with the people around her.

“I’m excited about gaining more hours and getting to know the team and customers a bit more.”

For Kayliah, the placement has been about more than learning café skills. It’s also been about feeling part of something.

“I just love how it’s a really friendly environment, the customers are friendly, the co-workers are friendly, and it helps that we’ve all got the same sense of humour.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Kayliah as they build confidence, grow their independence and work towards their goals.

The post Kayliah’s story: Finding routine, confidence and independence appeared first on Kirinari.