From job seeker to employment mentor

Just a few months ago, Paige was attending appointments as a job seeker. Today, she's helping others find employment as a full-time employment mentor with IMPACT Community Services' Workforce Australia team.

The transformation has been life changing.

"I went from thinking I couldn’t do anything, to having a full-time job and seeing people get employment from me," Paige said. "Being a mum, I'm able to show my kids that it doesn't matter when you start, as long as you do start. It's been awesome for me."

When the opportunity arose to complete a Certificate III in Community Services, Paige embraced it. The qualification opened new doors and helped her take the first steps towards a career she has long wanted.

Her ultimate goal is to become a youth worker, supporting young people before they face the same challenges that kept her out of the workforce for years.

"This was a massive stepping stone to where I want to get to," she said.

Paige credits much of her success to the support of colleague Charlotte, who had followed a similar journey into employment just months earlier.

Because Charlotte joined the team before her, Paige was able to learn from someone who understood exactly what she was experiencing.

"I don't think I would have survived without her," Paige said. "There was a lot that I didn't know and a lot of times that I felt like I was drowning, but I could just ask her anything, and that's what got me through it."

Charlotte has watched Paige grow in confidence and capability while balancing work and raising her two boys as a single mum.

"She's actually very equipped and has excelled in what she's been doing," Charlotte said. "As a single mum of two boys, she's just risen. She's been smashing it."

Looking back, Paige can hardly believe how much has changed in such a short time. From job seeker to mentor, she's now helping others find the same confidence and opportunities that changed her life.