The end of high school can be a daunting time in a young person’s life, but for three EPIC school based trainees, the future is looking bright.

Blake, Jake and Keely all finished school based traineeships with us last year, and are now looking excitedly forward to advancing their careers.

“The students have done so well; it’s really been a pleasure to watch their progress,” said EPIC Business Development Manager Lisa Coughran.

“Seeing Blake, Jake and Keely successfully graduate Year 12 and embark upon their futures is very exciting.”

Lisa first met Blake at St Joseph’s College at one of her meetings with the Learning Support Unit.

“I had a chat with Blake about where he might like to work, and he showed an interest in the hospitality industry,” explains Lisa.

“I approached Hungry Jacks South Tweed and the owner, Paula, was more than happy to give Blake a day of work experience. Blake has now been at Hungry Jacks for over 4 months and beams with pride whenever he speaks of his first ever job.”

Like Blake, Jake also found his employment start at Hungry Jacks, while also spending one day a week studying a Certificate II in Hospitality at TAFE. Jake’s Employment Consultant Stephen Morgan says he’s taken leaps and bounds since he connected with us.

“Jake started out as a very quiet young man and he has learnt many new life skills such as time management, customer service, being responsible and has gained new confidence in a paid work environment,” said Stephen.

Since that time, Jake has been successful in gaining employment with Northern Cooperative Meat Company, first as a cleaner before moving into a warehouse role. Jake now works five days a week, averaging 7 hour days.

“Jake has certainly grown within since starting,” said Stephen.

Keely connected with EPIC at the beginning of Year 11, and was placed in a school based traineeship, studying a Certificate II in Business Administration. Working at waste management company Solo Resource Recovery, Keely developed practical workplace skills as well as developing confidence.

Keely’s Employment Consultant Jane Rourke says watching Keely’s development has been a pleasure.

“I’m very proud to be a part of Keely’s journey and watch her grow into the lovely young lady she is becoming,” said Jane.