At Glenorchy Jobs Hub, we’re proud to support local young people as they take steps toward meaningful work and growth. Riley’s* journey shows how understanding individual strengths and interests can help create opportunities that truly fit.

Youth Coach Monique first met Riley, who came along with their support worker, through the Jobs Hub. During their conversation, Riley shared a love for cats and animals. Riley also mentioned being shy, which can make job searching feel overwhelming. Monique recognised Riley’s strengths and, with patience, kept their initial meeting short to ensure it was a positive experience. Their next step together was creating a tailored resume that highlighted Riley’s skills and potential.

Knowing Riley’s love of animals, Monique reached out to local organisations to find a good fit. After a collaborative referral process, Monique connected Riley with Happy Paws Happy Hearts — a program designed to build confidence and skills through hands-on volunteering with animals. To make the process easier for Riley, Monique handled communications and acted as the main contact.

Riley successfully completed their induction with Happy Paws Happy Hearts and is scheduled to begin volunteering. This opportunity not only allows Riley to work with animals they care deeply about but also provides a supportive space to build confidence at their own pace.

Riley’s story demonstrates how personalised support and recognising individual strengths can make all the difference. By combining their passion for animals with a supportive environment, Riley has taken an exciting step toward future opportunities - and this is just the beginning of their journey!

*Name changed for privacy reasons