Casey's story: From local pizza shop casual to early childhood educator

When Casey* first connected with the BSL Thrive Hub through a referral from Peninsula Health, she was facing a number of challenges that made it difficult to focus on her future goals. Today she's gained clarity and began developing a practical plan to become an early childhood educator.

*Not her real name

Alongside managing her own mental health and low confidence Casey had significant caring responsibilities for her younger brother, who lives with a disability, and was helping support a single parent household with limited resources.

Although she had a strong interest and hope of working in early childhood education, she was unsure how to turn that aspiration into reality. At the time, she was working casually at a local pizza restaurant and lacked confidence in navigating education and employment pathways. Low income was also creating additional barriers, limiting her ability to access training and employment-related requirements.

But when Casey met her Thrive Hub Coach in Frankston for the first time she was able to sit down and map out what her future could be and identify the concrete steps needed to achieve her goals. Through this process, she gained clarity about her long-term aspiration to work in Early Childhood Education and began developing a practical plan to get there.

BSL’s Frankston Thrive Hub provided personalised coaching and practical support to help her move forward.

This included assistance with Centrelink access, resume development, cover letter writing, interview preparation and job search skills. Coaching also focused on building confidence, organisational skills, communication and the ability to navigate unfamiliar systems like enrolling for TAFE - language, literacy and numeracy requirements, and study timetables.

Recognising the financial barriers Casey faced, BSL provided assistance to help overcome obstacles that may otherwise have prevented her from progressing. This included funding for employment and training-related checks and certifications and everyday essentials including petrol vouchers to assist with her commute to work. We also accessed the ‘Dress for Success’ program which provided work appropriate clothing for her to start her job. 

Casey obtained her driver’s licence while engaged with the Thrive Hub. This was a significant milestone. It helped increase her independence and expand her access to education and employment opportunities.

As her confidence grew, coaching also focused on workplace communication and advocacy skills. She developed the confidence to communicate effectively with employers, ask questions, raise concerns and build positive relationships within the workplace. This support proved invaluable when she secured a traineeship in the childcare sector and began navigating the transition into employment and study.

Today, she is successfully employed in childcare while completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She is sustaining her studies through a Student Allowance, continuing to build her skills and confidence, and is excited about becoming fully qualified and progressing into ongoing full-time employment in the sector she is so passionate about.

This story demonstrates how Thrive Hub’s combination of coaching, practical assistance and personalised support can help young people overcome barriers, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards their goals. With relatively modest financial investment and consistent coaching, a young person who was uncertain about her future is now pursuing a career she is passionate about and building a strong foundation for long-term employment and independence.

Learn more about our Thrive Hubs and how to access support at  bsl.org.au/thrive-hub