Coen recently moved to Nowra and was living in transitional housing when he reached out to headspace Nowra for support. Coen mentioned he was very keen to find employment and was told about the Individual Placement Services (IPS) program, where young people who access headspace services can gain one on one support to find and keep a job. Coen’s Psychologist referred him to headspace’s Vocational Specialist, Julie, who discussed his goals with him. Julie and Coen then started canvassing local retail employers to discuss the opportunity for a PaTH Internship – a Government initiative to support young job seekers through a work experience program, followed by a wage incentive for ongoing employment. Malcolm from Nowra Pawnbrokers, who is always willing to support a keen young person into employment, was interested in Coen’s computer and technology skills to contribute to his future business plans. Coen completed the 12-week PaTH internship program with Nowra Pawnbrokers, giving Malcolm a chance to integrate Coen into the business. Coen then commenced a full-time retail traineeship in January 2020.
Julie coordinated MBC Employment (Coen’s job service provider), the Australian College of Higher Learning and Apprenticeship Support Australia and Nowra Pawnbrokers, to commence the traineeship and provide the employer with all available incentive payments all while supporting Coen as he settled in. Coen is now living in stable, private accommodation and has grown in confidence while increasing his skills. “He is a wonderful example of the life changing effects of employment and the importance of a great match between an employee and employer,” said Julie. “I am glad I sought help from headspace Nowra at the lowest time of my life,” said Coen.
“When I explained what I was going through they were happy to help me every step of the way, completely changing my life for the better in only a matter of months,” he added.