At 28, Jack—an SES volunteer—had never had a job, but just two days into a work placement through his training, he’d turned that around.

Jack began the 16-week Launch Into Work foundation skills program at Community College Northern Inland’s Moree campus in March, when staff at Sureway Employment suggested the program might be a good fit for him.

Funded under the National Skills Agreement ‘Increasing Access to Foundation Skills’ which is a joint initiative between the Australian and New South Wales governments, Launch Into Work gave Jack an opportunity to develop his skills while exploring where work and further study might take him. The foundation skills program combines practical learning with job-ready skills and work experience, helping participants build confidence and prepare for employment.

When it came time to undertake work placement as part of his training, Jack knew exactly where he wanted to go. Earlier in the year, he had interviewed for a position at Mitre 10 but hadn’t been successful. When the opportunity for work placement came along, Jack was keen to give it another go.

CCNI Moree Campus Coordinator Kylie contacted the store and arranged a two-week placement for Jack, working from 10am to 3pm two days each week. But by day two, Jack had already nailed it. His enthusiasm and willingness to work had impressed manager Michelle so much that she offered him a part-time job.

“He was just so eager to work,” Michelle said. “I couldn’t fault him. He was an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Michelle said Jack had quickly fitted in with the whole team.

Jack is now happily working a minimum of 15 hours each week, with opportunities for additional hours during school holidays and when other staff are away. And even the hard work hasn't taken the shine off his enthusiasm. With blisters on his feet after putting in a day’s work, Jack told Kylie, “I don’t care, I’m just glad I put in a hard day of work. It’s really fulfilling to have something to do,” he said. “I feel a real sense of accomplishment.”

“I really enjoy the customers and staff and having companionship. Having nothing to do is extremely boring and staying at home is lonely. I love all the chats we have at work. I really enjoy working with everyone here at Mitre 10.”

Jack’s ambitions don’t end with his first job.

During his training, he began exploring options for further study. After initially considering IT, he identified Library and Information Services as the path he really wants to follow. With help from campus Student Support Officer Pat, Jack has planned his pathway and hopes to begin studying online next year.

For Jack, Launch Into Work did more than open doors to employment and study. It gave him a clear career path—and something even greater: a sense of purpose, community, and pride in a hard day’s work.