Student Overcomes Language Barriers to Get Dream Job

October 25, 2023
1 minute read

Kashiko was at STEPS for 18 months and was a hardworking, conscientious student. Her goal was to improve her English to integrate into our Cairns community and obtain employment.

Although a qualified Dive Instructor and Swimming Teacher in Japan, Kashiko had to do a 2-day theory and 2-week practical training course with AUSTSWIM in English, completing the TSW327136 qualification -Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course. She is now a Swimming Instructor at the Woree Pool.

She has this to say about her time at STEPS:

I spent a long and happy time at STEPS. When I started, I couldn’t even write in my own diary. However, thanks to the kind and empathetic teachers, my skills improved.  I made some really great memories with these teachers and classmates.  I used to have a complex because I was not good at speaking English, but now I teach swimming to children and speak English every day. I am having a great time! I work 6 days a week now and although it may be physically difficult at times, I do my best because I am needed.

I was able to change my life because I had the courage to do so and I am grateful to the people at STEPS for their help!

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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