Matt’s story: Building confidence and gaining real experience

For Matt, the first three months of WorkFoundations have been about showing up, trying new things and gaining a clearer sense of what the future could look like.

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.