First job brings confidence – Jessica’s story

After an uncertain start, Jessica has thrived in the Youth Jobs PaTH Employability Training program and secured her first job working at McDonalds.  

The young Warrnambool job seeker didn’t know what career path she wanted to pursue after finishing school a few years ago.

“Before I started this journey, I was lacking direction and felt bored and lonely,” Jessicasaid.

“I wanted to learn new skills, but I didn’t know how I could fit into the workforce.”

Connecting with the team at MatchWorks gave the rural job seeker the direction and support she needed to become job-ready.

“Jessica wanted to work and knew what kind of tasks she enjoyed but she didn’t have any work experience, a driver licence, mobile phone or much confidence in herself,” MatchWorks Employment Consultant, Taylor Williams.

Participating in the employability training program was an important step in her journey to work.  

The right tools

Jessica’s confidence began to flourish throughout the youth program, and it was here that she identified her skills and a suitable career plan.

“The two courses in the program helped me to build and brand myself,” Jessica said.

“My confidence grew, and I learned where to look for work, how to find available jobs and feel confident that my resume and cover letter would be noticed.”


Jessica said she now feels much happier, approachable and confident now that she has discovered her direction.

“Jessica grew a lot in PaTH,” Taylor said.

“She was able to identify her skills, recognise her career plan and grow her confidence.” 

Taylor and the team at MatchWorks Warrnambool also helped Jessica with:

  • A mobile phone to help her connect with her employment consultant and potential employers.
  • Her learner permit so she could practice for her driver licence test.

A new opportunity

With her new-found confidence, Jessica landed a job at McDonalds as a Crew Member.

“I have found it so easy to settle into my job,” Jessica said.

“It’s a supportive environment, and I really enjoy that it’s customer-facing. I like interacting with so many different people.”

“The confidence that has grown in Jessica with this new opportunity is amazing,” Taylor said.

“When we first met, Jessica was hesitant to speak to other employment consultants, teachers or non-acquaintances. Now, she keeps in touch with the team here to let us know how she’s going but also just to thank us.”

“Taylor has supported me the entire time and made sure I could achieve my goals,” Jessica said.

“She’s helped me to book in my driver licence test which will give me more independence and I know she’s there if I need anything.

“Now I feel so much happier, approachable and confident.”

Youth Jobs PaTH is an initiative of the Australian Government and delivered in collaboration with WestVic Staffing Solutions

Find out more about our employment services for job seekers and businesses, or call 1300 13 23 63 to chat to your local team