Program a big boost to career options

A group of local job seekers are set to boost their career options after graduating from a new program last week.

The work readiness program, developed by TAFE, Bloodwood Tree, and Morris Corporation, is aimed at providing local people with the opportunity to gain employment and new skills.

Family, friends and invited guests gathered to see the graduation at North Regional TAFE’s Pundulmurra Campus on Friday.

At the start of the five-week course, participants work with Bloodwood Tree to cover the important aspects of applying for a job such as creating cover letters and resumes and learning computer basics. The participants then work with a TAFE lecturer and undertake units on topics such as workplace protocols, health and safety, online inductions, fitness and basic food food preparation.

Graduate Tracy Kynaston said the course had provided her with the opportunity to meet new people and achieve new goals.

She said starting a new career would allow her to achieve more for her three-year-old daughter and make her proud.

“I’m so excited for myself and my daughter,” she said.

“I hope to excel in my future and be exposed to more opportunities that are out there.”

Ms Kynaston, who was previously working at Kmart, now looks forward to starting a new position at Hamilton. As a single mother, graduate Brynie Kelly said the best part was “getting to know everyone, being part of a team and making new friends”.

“When I first came into the course I thought it was all about study,” she said.

“I didn’t realise it involved exercise as well.

“It’s not just an education journey. I will never forget the jokes and stories we shared.

Speaking at the ceremony, TAFE lecturer Carissa Myers said it had been a pleasure to work alongside the tight-knit crew as they progressed through the course.

A Morris Corporation spokesman said the program had been successful in preparing the candidates well for the workplace.