Stanley’s hitting the right note thanks to Back to Work

After struggling through school and some mental health challenges, a diagnosis at the age of 22 helped Stanley understand his learning needs, and with that, the path to becoming a youth worker was suddenly more within reach.

“After getting the diagnosis, I sort of put myself in a bit of a box. I limited myself and it wasn’t until learning more about myself that I realised that I don't have to be bound by the nature of a diagnosis. I can be as best as I choose to be,” Stanley said.

With newfound confidence and an understanding of his own learning needs, Stanley completed a Certificate III in Music (CUA30920), quickly followed by a Diploma of Music (Performance) (CUA50820) at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.

“Music for me is like a puffer if I had asthma – it’s the thing that gets me through the day. I've been blessed enough to have that gift and that's what I was hoping to give back through my youthwork.”

Now ready to embark on the final steps to qualify for his dream job, the cost of another course almost halted his progress.

Discovering the Back to Work program, Stanley was able to access Queensland Government funding to complete a Certificate IV in Youth Work, obtain a Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Card, and complete a First Aid course.

These qualifications enable him to work in Youth Work and provide specific disability services to young people.

Through the program, Stanley had access to tailored, timely assistance to help him overcome barriers and gain the skills needed for sustainable employment. In his words, he felt “spoilt” by the attention and commitment to helping him achieve his goals, especially from his dedicated Back to Work Jobseeker Officer, Michael Kavian.

“He would call in and see how I was doing with my studies and I always looked forward to his phone calls. He's very supportive - always encouraged me along the way and really helped me with myself confidence,” Stanely said.

As part of the Back to Work program, jobseekers complete a Harrison Assessment questionnaire to help guide study and employment decisions.

“The questionnaire was really helpful as it confirmed for me that I was best suited to work in the creative arts or youth work,” Stanley said.

These days, a proud Stanley is employed by YMCA splitting his time across two roles – Youth Worker and Support Worker at both the senior and junior campuses. He’s also taking on respite work at the weekends.

“Now that I'm working in the industry, it has had a massive effect on the quality of life I lead. Funnily enough, the work provided me with the life balance. It was a funny way of finding that contentment from my day-to-day life. I sleep well at night because of what I do. It’s fantastic,” he said.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn the skills and gain the confidence I needed to get a job I’m passionate about.” The Queensland Government's Back to Work program helps jobseekers and those at risk of unemployment to upskill and retrain for new jobs.

The program offers eligible jobseekers free personalised support including career path mapping, resume writing, interview skills, referrals to training, access to gap support funding and job matching with local employers.