What initially seemed like a far off dream is now a reality for Mervyn as he begins his new plumbing apprenticeship.
When Mervyn first came to STEPS he stressed to us that he wanted a real career, not just a job, and was keen to start a trade apprenticeship or traineeship.
He had great support with APM, a local employment agency, however he knew that he had to address his literacy and numeracy skills to improve his career opportunities – that’s where the STEPS Skills for Education & Employment (SEE) program came in.
Despite a learning disability that saw Mervyn struggle through school and eventually leave after Year 7, he leapt at the chance to take part in the program and has made exceptional progress in a short period of time.
After only one month, thanks to his hard work and to the expertise of his trainers and support staff at APM, we are thrilled to report that Mervyn has been offered a plumbing apprenticeship with a local company and has already started work.
Mervyn will continue to attend the SEE program in Cairns two days per week to work on his literacy and numeracy skills and he has lots of hard work and study ahead of him, but he has his eyes firmly on his goal as he begins his pathway towards a trade career.
We wish Mervyn all the best with the new direction he is taking in his life.
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
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