Graduate Celebration Stories
This week we’re celebrating another graduate of our Fast Track to work program, Josie, who has just completed 9-months of employment with our partner organisation, Leonda by the Yarra. We asked Josie what it was like.
Like all trainees who come through STREAT’s youth programs, Josie’s journey was inspiring, but not without its challenges. Josie had concerns and dreams that collided as she shared her journey with us all in her own words.
“When I started Fast Track to Work at STREAT, I walked through the room with zero confidence. I didn’t know what I wanted or what I was doing, and now leaving the program, everything is way better. I have confidence, I have a good job, I am able to socialise more and doing the program benefited my Mental Health,” Josie said.
“I was most concerned that I wasn’t going to have a future for myself, and that positive change wasn’t a possibility for me. My biggest worry was that in the future, I wouldn’t have the confidence that I have now. I didn’t think I was capable of living out my dreams,” she said.
But Josie displayed consistency, dedication, and a great attitude throughout the 8-weeks of our Fast Track to Work program, and this led to her being ready to commence the 9-month Paid to Work program, Leonda by the Yarra, which she has just completed. Leonda is one of our STREAT amazing partner’s employers and one of Melbourne’s leading venues for weddings, corporate events and parties.
It’s inspiring to hear how Josie’s hard work and dedication have paid off. It just goes to show that with perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.
“I realised I am more capable than I think of doing great things and achieving my goals,” Josie added.
Congratulations, Josie! We are so proud of your success and can’t wait to hear about your growth in the future.
Stories like this one are only possible through all of your support. Whether it’s getting a coffee or a meal in one of our STREAT cafes; getting your STREAT products and hampers from our online shop, or STREAT catering for your next meeting, or booking STREAT for an e-learning experience through our new learning and development team, STREATwise, it all adds up. Anyone who supports STREAT is helping support young people to achieve their goals and ensure that STREAT Youth Programs can continue to provide an opportunity for amazing outcomes for young people in the future.
Thank you for being a part of our community! Our big applause goes out to you all, and well done, Josie!
Photo credit: Leonda By The Yarra
Want to learn more?
If you are or know a young person looking to gain new skills in work readiness and work experience, please email us at youthprograms@streat.com.au or call (03) 96294222. Or you can learn more about our youth programs, and apply through our website.