Maybe you’ve been struggling to find meaningful or long-term work. Maybe school wasn’t the right path for you, or life got in the way of your goals. Maybe you’re not even sure what’s holding you back, but you know you’re ready for something different.
Whatever your story and your starting point, the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is here to help take you from where you are now to where you want to be.
It’s free, flexible, and designed to support you and your goals. Read on to hear real stories from real STEPS SEE participants.
Learning barriers
For many people, the thing standing between them and a job – or further study, or simply feeling more capable day-to-day – isn’t one big obstacle. It’s a combination of smaller ones: a gap in reading or writing skills, unfamiliarity with computers, limited English language skills, or simply a blow to their confidence that happened somewhere along the way.
Paul from Townsville left school just twenty days into Year Eight.
“I didn’t like school and school didn’t like me,” Paul said. “I just don’t think I was the right fit for that kind of learning, and at that time, there wasn’t much support for someone who didn’t fit.”
He went on to build an impressive career as a labourer and professional fisherman, but when the modern workforce started demanding digital skills he’d never needed before, he knew it was time to do something about it.
After joining the STEPS SEE Program in Townsville, Paul learned how to navigate MyGov and Medicare online, send emails, and develop the computer skills that once felt out of reach.
Start now, plan as you go
One of the most common misconceptions about training like the SEE Program is that you need to know what you want before you enrol. The truth is, you don’t!
STEPS SEE Program Trainers are experts at helping you identify what skills will make the biggest difference to your life, and they’ll work with you to figure it out together.
Mary joined the STEPS SEE Program in Cairns after an extended period out of the workforce due to illness. She felt overwhelmed, lacked confidence, and wasn’t sure where to start. With the encouragement of her Trainers, she refreshed her computer and workplace skills, then enrolled in a BSB30120 Certificate III in Business, and found her community.
She went on to work as a Customer Support Officer at STEPS, being one of the first friendly faces new participants met when they walked through the door.
“I’ve been able to help people in need of support and show them that there’s a place for them in the world, there’s always people who care,” Mary said.
Training as unique as you
SEE isn’t a one-size-fits-all training program. Whether you need to improve your reading and writing, build digital skills, strengthen your English, or work towards a nationally recognised qualification, the SEE Program has the flexibility to adapt to your needs.
San joined the STEPS SEE Program in Casuarina with the singular goal of getting a job. In class, he focused on cover letters, job applications, computer skills? and interview preparation every day.
His digital literacy, language and numeracy skills grew steadily, and so did his confidence.
San’s hard work paid off. He landed a full-time role in maintenance and cleaning at a defence base.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at STEPS,” San said. “I’ve met amazing people and shared great moments with my community. The Trainers have been so helpful and kind.”
Enrol in a course, join a community
Many STEPS SEE Program participants walk away with more than new skills and job prospects; they also become a more confident version of themselves. They form friendships and find (or regain) their sense of purpose.
When Letty arrived at the STEPS SEE Program in Cairns she was quiet and nervous, having rescheduled her intake appointment several times. She avoided eye contact and stayed on the sidelines.
Six months later, she was leading her peers in weekly Zumba sessions, tapping into her past as a Zumba instructor on the Gold Coast.
“Now, I always look forward to coming to class and seeing everyone,” Letty said.
“The best part is feeling like I belong, I’ve made friends for life here.”
Free, local, welcoming, and ready when you are
The STEPS SEE Program is fully funded by the Australian Government, which means it is completely free for eligible participants.
There are no waiting lists, so you can enrol and start anytime. Classes are available part-time or full-time, with locations across regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Eligible participants also have the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification, such as certifications in Hospitality, Business, and Individual Support, while also building core skills to help find meaningful work or reach their goals.
To be eligible, you must be an Australian Citizen or eligible visa holder, aged 15 or over, have left school, and need support with reading, writing, maths, English, or digital skills.
Take your first step with STEPS
The STEPS SEE Program is available in the following locations:
Queensland
- Cairns
- Cairns City
- Edmonton
- Gordonvale
- Innisfail
- Mareeba
- Mossman
- Sunshine Coast
- Caloundra
- Gympie
- Nambour
- Noosa
- Townsville
- Wide Bay
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
Northern Territory
- Alice Springs
- Darwin
- Casuarina
- Palmerston
- Katherine
To find more information or apply, visit the STEPS SEE Program webpage, call our friendly team on 1300 131 965, or email customercare@stepsgroup.com.au.
You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to take the first step. We’ll be here to help you along the way.
