BAILEY’S BIG START
Bailey Jones has just graduated from Prestige Service Training and now, with help from the Gold Coast Employment Support Service, has gained a good job
PRESTIGE Service Training has celebrated the graduation of its first round of school-based trainees who were enrolled after the collapse of a disability training provider this year.
The Southport-based training organisation has taken on 125 students with a disability who were left in limbo when Australian School Based Traineeships went into receivership in May.
Prestige Service Training CEO Tracy Kearney said 25 students had now completed their Certificate II traineeships, and were establishing meaningful job opportunities.
“We are so proud of this group of students and their achievements, on the back of a disappointing disruption to their study journey,” she said.
Bailey Jones, 17, has graduated with a Certificate II and has secured ongoing employment.
Bailey has an intellectual disability and generalised anxiety disorder, making it hard for him to cope with new situations and stress.
His mum Katherine said Bailey’s confidence had grown and his grades improved thanks to the support from Prestige Service Training.
“This situation highlights that things do happen for a reason. I went from being really concerned about Bailey’s employment opportunities, and now I can say I have no worries at all,” she said.
“GCESS (Gold Coast Employment Support Service) helped Bailey obtain a work trial at Target, where he is now working as the official store greeter, restocking shelves, assisting shoppers and working on the cash register.
“I am so proud of him and so grateful to the organisations that have helped Bailey throughout his study and employment journey.”
Bailey was nominated for the Queensland School Based Traineeship Award and was personally contacted by the Target Australia CEO and other senior executives to welcome him to the team.
Bailey said he was excited to be finishing school and was looking forward to growing his skills at Target.
“I love my work and am so grateful to my boss and everyone who has helped me get to where I am,” he said.
“I am excited to have graduated. I made lots of friendships during my study and I am thankful to all the staff who supported me.”
Bailey has also been approached by Wesfarmers to be their Face of Diversity for 2018.