Trent signed up for the Step Up Latrobe Valley program over a year ago as a quiet, reserved young person. While he did not have any career aspirations at the time, his main goal for the program was to gain part-time employment for financial purposes. However shortly after commencing the program, Trent decided that it was not the right time to engage in the Ladder program and decided not to continue.

Trent recently re-engaged with Ladder after contacting the Ladder team off his own accord. Trent felt as though it was the right time and he had a newfound motivation to work in civil construction and wanted to explore his education and employment pathways.

Trent had no hesitation to re-engage with Ladder because he “didn’t know anyone or any kind of group that helped young people the way Ladder did.” Trent further explained that he was “sick of sitting around at home doing nothing and not working or having any money was increasingly frustrating” and wanted to do something about it.

Trent identified that participating in another program environment was not going to work for him so together with the Development Coaches, they decided a one-to-one approach would be best for Trent. They organised to meet every Friday where Trent would work on his resume and other relevant tasks to pursue his newfound interest. Trent’s Development Coach advised him to consider starting a TAFE course and with their help, Trent completed an application form and was successful in enrolling in a Certificate 3 in Civil Construction. Trent is eagerly waiting on a commencement date and is still in contact with his Development Coach through regular text messages and catch ups where needed.

At Ladder, we understand that not all young people’s journeys are linear. Ladder provides support at any and across multiple points of a young person’s life, to help them tackle the next challenge ahead.

“Knowing that Ladder is always there for me and supports me makes me feel really good.”