From Waves to Work Success Story

At are-able, we believe in the transformative power of opportunity, and Aleks’ journey exemplifies this perfectly.

When Zoe, an Employment Mentor in the Transition to Work (TTW) program, first met Aleks, progress felt slow. Although he attended fortnightly appointments, Aleks showed little engagement or willingness to step out of his comfort zone. When Zoe suggested volunteering or trying new activities, he admitted he wasn’t ready to disrupt his routine but kept the details of that routine private, making it challenging to identify a meaningful way forward.

Undeterred, Zoe introduced the idea of the Waves to Work program—a Brophy Family and Youth Services initiative— Funded through Workforce Australia Local Jobs, highlighting its potential to build confidence and foster new connections, even if surfing didn’t initially appeal to Aleks. With support from WFA Employment Consultant Jimmy, Aleks hesitantly agreed to give it a go.

And what a transformation it sparked!

Zoe attended the first session to support Aleks. On the way, he shared his nerves and uncertainty about what to expect. He spent the first session on the beach, chatting with facilitators. During this conversation, Aleks revealed an interest in photography. This sparked an idea: a professional photographer friend of one of the facilitators could offer tips, and Aleks could take photos of the group during future sessions.

By the second session, Aleks was eagerly learning photography tips, and each week, he put his skills into practice, capturing stunning shots of the surfers. By week four, his confidence had soared. On a car ride with Zoe, Aleks excitedly shared that he had spent time over the weekend photographing a local garden with a friend. Before Waves to Work, he hadn’t felt confident enough to pursue photography in public, let alone share his work.

The program became a cherished part of Aleks’ routine, and he expressed interest in continuing. The program’s facilitators noticed his growing confidence, and Aleks was invited to photograph another initiative, the Stoked Program. Now, he’s not only taking photos for multiple groups but also welcoming new attendees and making everyone feel at home.

Aleks’ journey didn’t stop there. During one of the program’s guest speaker sessions, he learned of a job opportunity at the local library. With Zoe’s help, Aleks polished his resume and wrote a cover letter to apply for the role.

In just six weeks, Aleks has gone from being hesitant to leave his house to becoming a confident, engaged community member. He now participates in two programs, pursues his passion for photography, connects with new people, and is actively seeking employment.

“This transformation has been so inspiring to witness,” Zoe shared. “From someone who was hesitant to even try something new, to now being an integral part of two programs, sharing his talent, and actively pursuing employment—it’s incredible. I couldn’t be prouder of the progress Aleks has made in such a short time.”

Aleks’ transformation is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and the incredible support provided by are-able’s mentors. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Aleks!

To discover more about how are-able is transforming lives through meaningful employment, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team today.

Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.