Finn

Finn began our service in February 2023 and wanted to work but was unsure of his pathway and needed support to become work ready. Over 23 months, Finn developed his skills and confidence in the preparation, cutting, grinding, work health and safety, and the welding of metal in a very small group setting with other welders-in-training. Youth Options also supported him to gain his white card so he could work in the construction industry. Finn also developed his skills in punctuality, focus, communication and teamwork. Importantly he also improved his ability to adapt to unexpected changes in preparation for the world of work. These employability skills are key skills that employers as much as technical skills.

Finn made the most of his time in workshop and really enjoyed the setting of meeting new people and building friendships while learning together. He developed connections with other mentees and a friendly member of the workshop who was always quick to praise other mentees about their work.

Building resilience for a brighter future

During this time Finn also joined our resilience program to find a career pathway that was a great fit for him. He was empowered to identify and explore different trades and with the support of his family gained work experiences including mechanic and plumbing before finding landscape construction.

He also identified that improving his literacy and numeracy was key to achieving a traineeship. However, actually working on these skills was a major challenge. He used what he learnt in resilience about awareness, acceptance, goals, motivation, growth mindset and more to unlock the secrets to motivation. He became a self-starter and willingly worked on his math skills independently. Finn also designed his own resilience challenges to practice when welding in our workshop. This integrated approach across programs and mentors allowed his team to better understand how to better empower him to build his resilience quicker and for Finn to understand more deeply how resilience could help him to not just get a job, but keep it.

Achieving Employment with a Traineeship

In June 2024, Finn was offered a traineeship in landscape construction and is currently being paid to work for a contractor as he studies to complete a certificate III in landscape construction. Finn showcased his commitment to his learning at Youth Options where he continued to come in at the end of his working week as a trainee and develop his welding skills in our welding bays.

We are so proud of Finn and are excited for his working future!