Ebony working towards her career goals with Carinity

Before Ebony Crossingham joined the Dreams Achieved work skills program at Fassifern Community Centre she was feeling lost and unable to interact with others.

The teenager was new to Boonah with few friends and little support. Ebony’s lack of achievement at school had left her feeling like she was incapable of doing anything without feeling like a failure.

“I was pretty sad. I couldn’t really think I could cope with anything. I thought I wasn’t smart enough to do anything,” she says.

Ebony, pictured, found the courage to join Dreams Achieved, a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program run by Carinity at Boonah.

The program offers free training for teenaged jobseekers who have left school.

Ebony says she gained a great deal from the program, improving all aspects of her life.

“It helped me a lot. It encouraged me to have a go. I loved the advice and knowledge given. I never thought I could do it,” she says.

“Knowing that I wasn’t the only one struggling gave me more confidence. I made good friends in the program and friends help friends.”

At the completion of the program Ebony had gained the confidence to enrol in further studies.

She is now studying for her Certificate III in Individual Support and hopes to begin a career in the disability sector.

“Dreams Achieved really brings out the best in a person. I feel like I’m important. I feel like there is something good out there for me and my future,” Ebony says.

The Dreams Achieved program is again being conducted by Carinity at Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah.

The scheme is open to people aged between 15 and 19 years who have left or are leaving school and looking for work.

At the end of the course students earn a Certificate II in Work Skills and Vocational Pathways, and then transition to employment.

For more information on the program phone 5463 2966 or email fassifern@carinity.org.au.