Millie joined Ladder’s augmented Reconnect program having completed her Year 11 studies and deciding that she would not return to school. Her self-identified goal was to gain employment in a field that she really enjoyed.

Through regular, 1:1 support from her Ladder Reconnect Case Manager, they were able to identify what her likes, dislikes and interests were. Millie expressed her passion for hair and beauty and wanting to help make people feel good about themselves. Ladder is now working with Millie to assist her pathway into TAFE to commence Hair and Beauty qualifications.

Ladder has supported Millie to commence Work Experience at her local Hair Studio. Ladder partners with local organisations to provide work experience and job tasters for our program participants to build community connections, develop their skills and gain experience in their chosen field. Millie attends once a week and helps out around the studio, cleaning equipment, sweeping floors, making coffees and sometimes washing hair under supervision. 

“I love my work experience. Taylor and all the staff make me feel included. It is a safe and happy place for me. Thank you Ladder for helping me find this place!”

In addition to this, Millie also started her Literacy Language Numeracy (LLN) course this week with our program partners Gippsland Employment Skills Training (GEST), a registered training organisation to assist her pathway into TAFE.

“I know now that I really want to pursue a career in hair and beauty. This will help me brush on these skills as I would really like to enrol in a Pre Apprenticeship course at TAFE.”

We look forward to seeing Millie kick more goals and we will continue to support Millie in her journey to gain employment.