Growing up, Candice Gumley says she never really learnt crucial job search skills such as writing a cover letter or how to present for an interview.
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"Unless a parent or someone you know is in HR or something along those lines, or is a manager, you're not really going to know how to apply for jobs or how the interviewing process works," she said. "No-one really teaches you that [at school]."
Therefore, she felt completely unprepared and lacking in confidence when seeking employment.
Wollongong's Ms Gumley, now 20, estimated she was applying for as many as 25 jobs a week before reaching out to youth mental health service headspace for help.
"I got one interview in my first year and didn't have any luck," she said.
"I only got one more interview the year after. I wasn't sure what the problem was and none of the job-hunting information I found online seemed to help."
The University of Wollongong student began accessing online vocational support from headspace in early 2021 via their Work and Study program.
Ms Gumley learnt better resume and cover letter writing techniques, and headspace staff also provided her feedback on job applications prior to submission.
She soon secured a part-time position at a supermarket.
"It didn't really sink in until I got my first pay cheque, and that's when I felt this sudden sense of stability," Ms Gumley said.
"I now have confidence that I can land a job and I'll carry those skills with me into the future."
Meanwhile, a dedicated headspace program will be expanded to help more young people secure employment opportunities.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the federal government would provide $45.7 million to double the number of headspace locations delivering the Individual Placement and Support Program, to address barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
Twenty-six additional headspace sites across Australia, including Wollongong, will now deliver this program.
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Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
