Cliff joined Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre in 2018. He was introduced to the Centre through his wife who worked as the Centre’s kitchen assistant.

He got involved by volunteering at the Centre serving meals at the community lunch program. In doing this, he was introduced to one of the Work and Learning advisors.

Cliff’s advisor supported him to build his qualification profile and helped him develop the confidence to undergo front of house kitchen training.

“The Learn Local team helped me with things like resumes and application letters, job application letters – they made me feel worthwhile.”

With one-on-one training and support from Cliff’s advisor helped him get a job he loves working as a school groundsman.

“There is so much self-satisfaction going into a dirty classroom and looking at it on the way out and seeing a nice, clean room.”

With the support of Learn Local, Cliff felt empowered to regain his confidence, take part in a vibrant community, and return to the workforce.

“Anybody that needs a little bit of assistance [should visit a Learn Local], because they don’t just write out the application letter.  If necessary, they will sit down and go through the interview process with you, and explain it, and just try to make it so that you feel more comfortable about what you’re doing.”

“My Learn Local advisor still rings me every couple of weeks, just to check how are things are going. There’s a continual follow up. It’s probably 12 months since I was there, but I’m still friends with most of the team.”

If you feel you are like Cliff and would like to further your potential, find a Learn Local near you.