The Jobfind Cairns team is proud to celebrate the successful delivery of the first, Block 2 Employability Skills Training (EST) program in Yarrabah, a remote First Nations community located one hour from Cairns. Delivered between 20 May and 5 June 2025, this person-centred initiative exemplifies Jobfind’s commitment to inclusive employment services that respond directly to the needs of local communities.
Four participants, aged 18 to 48 joined the EST program each facing long-term unemployment, significant barriers to workforce participation and most critically a loss of hope. Through strategic local delivery and culturally informed design, the program offered these individuals a tailored and supportive pathway toward meaningful employment.
Breaking Barriers Through Local Delivery
Recognising the lack of public transport, financial hardship and limited digital access as critical barriers, Jobfind brought the training directly to Yarrabah. By delivering the course in-community, the team removed key obstacles to access and ensured the curriculum was tailored to reflect both individual and community aspirations.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Nina Ansaldi (Program Facilitator) and support team members Noel Tobias (Employer Engagement Officer) and Tonia Ludwick (Transition to Work Youth Mentor) invested in building trust and relationships from day one.
Nina explained:
“They’ve shown extraordinary courage in stepping into something new. They began the course with uncertainty, but they embraced the process, supported each other, and grew into confident individuals ready to take on new roles in their community. Their trust, growth and achievements have been both humbling and inspiring. I feel honoured to have been part of their journey”.
Hands-On Training with Real Outcomes
The three-week program focused on developing job-ready skills through practical, hands-on learning. Participants explored career pathways, developed their resumes, practiced interviews and learned how to present themselves confidently to potential employers. The program also included digital literacy, team building, and leadership development, skills that emerged organically through collaborative group work.
Outcomes from the program speak for themselves:
- Audrey, who had previously completed her security guard qualification but lacked confidence to apply for roles, is now employed by the Yarrabah Council as a community security officer. She has also applied for a traineeship with Queensland Protective Services.
- Kailen and Henry were accepted into the National Institute of Construction Skills’ “Get Ready” program where they hope to secure an apprenticeship that will pave the way for a career in the trade industry. In the meantime, they have also begun casual work with CBD Infrastructure. Their first project is contributing to an office fit-out right in Yarrabah.
- Kyomie has job interviews lined up with local businesses and has also applied for a QPS traineeship. We look forward to sharing more good news soon.
Participant feedback highlights the real impact of this program.
Audrey shared:
“Since engaging with Nina I’ve been given more opportunities than I ever had before. She has really pushed things forward and supported me in reaching my goals, especially around employment and building my confidence.”
Kailen reflected:
“I gained more experience and found skills I didn’t even know I had. I’m starting a job in a few weeks. I’m very grateful I got this opportunity.”
Henry stated:
“From this course I have learned so much and experienced so much from you I am getting a job because of you. You have set me up for the future I can’t thank you enough. Thank you, Nina,”
Kyomie shared:
“Over the past three weeks of Employment Skills Training, I gained valuable knowledge and tools to support my job-seeking journey. The combination of tailored instruction, group activities, and individual support helped cater to my learning style and keep me engaged. I now have an ATS-friendly resume and cover letter, a clear map of my soft skills, and stronger interview abilities. Most importantly, this training has boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue growing both personally and professionally.
A Model for Future Delivery
This flexible, person-centred model demonstrates how targeted, intensive support can break cycles of disadvantage and unemployment. With a strong focus on culturally safe delivery and individual empowerment, the program builds both immediate employment outcomes and long-term community capacity. Program facilitator Nina, stated:
“The participants have such strong potential to be leaders in their community, and they’ve already begun to show it. Their journey is a powerful story of overcoming challenges, stepping into new experiences, and creating new outcomes. The courage they’ve shown throughout has truly paid off and I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Jobfind is proud to deliver services that meet participants where they are especially in underrepresented and remote communities. By addressing systemic barriers, co-designing services with community input and prioritising job retention, Jobfind continues to drive inclusive employment outcomes across Australia.
