Have you ever experienced the feeling of rejection when applying for jobs? Perhaps you’ve felt like your resume isn’t good enough or maybe your nerves get the better of you in interviews? You are not alone. Lots of people feel exactly the same way. You might have the drive and the work ethic, but you feel as though you’re lacking the skills or confidence to show it when it matters.
That’s why the STEPS team created Decked Out: a free, hands-on course designed to help you develop the skills employers are looking for. The course is part of the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, and it’s not your average training. It’s practical, personal, and genuinely supportive.
And yes, there’s a deck of cards involved. But more on that in a moment.
Decked Out: Not your average employability skills course
Decked Out is for anyone who wants to get job ready. That might mean writing a resume for the first time or giving it a much-needed upgrade after a career change. It might mean learning how to sell yourself in an interview. It could mean building up the confidence to walk into a new workplace and feel like you belong there.
What makes Decked Out different is that it’s built around a custom deck of playing cards. Each suit focuses on a different group of work and life skills. As you move through the course, you complete activities, earn cards, and eventually build your own complete deck. It’s a visual reminder of all the incredible skills and confidence you’ve gained.
Each suit of the deck represents a key professional area that we help you grow in: writing, communication, mindset, and job readiness.
Spades: Writing skills that work for you
Writing is one of those things that can sneak up on you in a job. You might think, “I don’t need to be a good writer to work,” but what about when it’s time to send that cover letter or write a report at work?
The Spades suit helps you take your words and put them on the page. You’ll write a resume that actually reflects who you are, create a cover letter that feels authentic and confident. You will get used to writing simple everyday work documents and feel good about how you sound on paper.
Even if you haven’t written anything in years, or ever, we’ve got your back. No red pens and judgment here, just support, encouragement and clear steps forward.
Diamonds: Communication that connects
If the idea of job interviews makes your stomach twist, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people feel like they freeze up, the nerves take over and they don’t know what to say when the pressure is on.
With the Diamonds suit, we practise real conversations: the kinds you’ll have in interviews, in meetings, or just chatting to your team at work. Some people join our course shy and quiet, convinced they’ll never feel comfortable speaking up. By the end, they’re surprising themselves with how much their confidence has grown thanks to some easy, practical tools.
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room. You just need to know how to say what matters. We help you build that confidence, one conversation at a time.
Hearts: Building confidence for your career
Most people start the Decked Out course feeling unsure of themselves, with very confidence in their abilities. Maybe they’ve faced setbacks in school or past jobs and started to believe those negative voices in their head.
But the truth is, anyone can become more confident. Confidence is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets, which means trying new things, reflecting on how it went, and growing every single day. That’s what the Hearts suit is all about.
We’ll guide you to set goals, reach them, and celebrate your wins. Learn how to bounce back after a tough day, discover what truly motivates you and use it to keep moving forward. Before long, you’re not just hoping things will get better; you’ll be making it happen.
Clubs: Getting ready for the workplace
Once you’ve got the writing skills, the communication tools and the mindset, it’s time to bring it all together. Clubs, our final suit, is focused on real-world job readiness.
We focus on what workplaces actually expect. Not just what to wear and say on your first day, but how to solve problems, manage your time, work with others, and feel prepared. You’ll practise real scenarios and get practical tools to help you stay calm and capable.
It’s about knowing how to show up, try your best, and always keep learning. That’s what makes someone truly work-ready.
Decked Out
If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or left behind, Decked Out is here for you.
This free course is made for people at any stage of life. Maybe you’ve never had a job before. Maybe it’s been a while since you were employed. Maybe you’re changing direction or starting over. Whatever your story is, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you take that next step.
Decked Out is offered through the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, delivered by the friendly and experienced team. The course is free to all eligible participants, so you only need to bring your time, your effort, and your curiosity.
Give yourself a winning hand
If you think this sounds like the right fit, we’d love to hear from you!
Our friendly team is here to talk with you about next steps and what’s possible with STEPS. Call us on 1300 131 965 or get in touch with us online via the STEPS SEE Program page.
