The programme covers CV creation, finding and responding to job advertisements, understanding the job role, writing a cover letter, getting through the application process, and preparing for interviews. Driver licensing is an important component, with optional add-on topics such as money management, drugs and alcohol, and health and safety.
Since graduating from Fielding High School, Steph Graham has worked in Germany as an au pair, travelled through Europe, spent time in London and dipped her toes into university study before heading to Australia.
In Perth, she gained valuable experience in a variety of roles, giving a few career options a go. She found her vocation when volunteering in a community re-engagement education school,
"When you are working with disengaged youth, they need a lot of one-on-one support. I volunteered every Monday for over a year to help out, and I found that I quite enjoyed it. It was easy for me, and I was relatable to the young people."
As the second oldest of four children, Steph says the supporting role comes naturally,
"I'm a big sister. Dad was a fulltime tradie and often worked extra hours. Mum is a school teacher - a very busy, fulltime worker with four kids. So I stepped into that role of leadership in my home from a young age."
While in Perth, a short-term contract and a qualification in Adult Training and Assessment allowed her to assist with developing resources, and study for a Youth Work certificate.
"By then I knew this was what I wanted to do. And it just seemed sweet that I could get paid for a job like that."
She gained a fulltime role in Melbourne as a trainer for a Youth Learning Pathway programme, working with young people in the youth justice space.
"One of the area managers there taught me a lot about leadership, being graceful, and emotionally intelligent in leadership. That was great to witness. And no question was a dumb question - she never made you feel inferior. It was such a cool thing to learn."
After her work in Australia, Steph felt the need to come home. She was specifically looking to work with youth in an education and training set when the opportunity at WDETT came up.
"This role was exactly what I was looking for."
Steph meets with her clients one on one.
"In youth work, a 50 per cent retention rate is normal. If you lose 50 per cent, and keep 50 per cent, that's pretty normal. I keep around 60 per cent of my clients, so that's above average. I know I'm doing something right. I'm happy with above average. I think I can read what a client will respond to. I guess I've got the ability to build rapport. Or maybe it's just that I'm relatable because I'm young enough."
Steph describes a few occasions where reluctant clients have initially not wanted to engage, but found the confidence to put themselves out there for work.
"Those soft changes that someone has are quite lovely. The 'aha!' moments that people have are good. I love it when they see the whole programme through, complete what they've come here for, and get to the goal. They've come here to learn how to get a job and they've got a job. That's awesome."
The now-29-year-old recalls people who were significant in her own youth, such as an older woman at her first after-school job.
"My colleague, Jill, would just chat about all the things she fitted into her life, so that motivated me. There's so much I want to do in my life because of Jill. She coloured my world, and has played such a big part in my life without even knowing it."
Interested Jobseekers can talk to their case managers at MSD, about joining the programme.
"There are heaps of my clients in work now, who had never had a job before. I'm quite a significant person for them like Jill was for me. They'll never forget getting their learner licence, or their first job."
Steph encourages young people to take opportunities, give things a go, and gather experiences.
"If you are afraid to do things, look at the bigger picture. There have been times in my life when I have been quite scared to do stuff and I've wanted to stay home. I've been anxious, or lazy even, but I think about the stories I want to tell my grandkids.
"If you were ever to lose your sight, would you be sitting in darkness? Or are you going to have stories in your mind that you can replay? For me, it's all about the future."
