Emily finds the spark with career goals now in full swing

With a smile brimming from ear to ear, and several recent milestones now under her belt, Emily is a young woman who has truly hit her stride of late.

By tapping into local support and building her confidence, she found a pathway aligned with her ambitions and successfully landed a job.

“Bamara have helped me step outside my comfort zone to explore different ideas for jobs. I feel this new job is a good match for me and I’m excited to be working,” Emily said.

When Emily first connected with our Alice Springs team in January 2026 through the Transition to Work program, she was shy and struggling to find employment. Seeking both career direction and the confidence to move forward, she teamed up with Bamara Youth Job Mentor, Warren.                                              

Together, they developed a Goal Plan designed to explore her interests, define her short and long-term career goals, and lay out the groundwork for a career in community services.

Having identified transport and limited experience as her primary barriers to work, we provided financial assistance for travel. This removed the immediate obstacle to attending sessions, allowing her to engage consistently in a range of pre-employment activities and kick things into gear.

Emily steadily built up her employability skills, defining purpose and direction to gradually develop a resume backed by a list of proud achievements. Alongside our team, she confidently dropped off her resume to local employers.

Warren also helped Emily to access funding to obtain a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. Additionally, he helped her obtain suitable workwear. These steps ensured Emily was fully prepared to walk into job interviews with confidence.

A major highlight of Emily’s journey was attaining a Certificate of Completion for GLOVES, an on-site program, delivered weekly by Populi Solutions.

“I really enjoy the GLOVES sessions. It’s fun, which is great. It’s physically and mentally challenging,” Emily said.

GLOVES Essentials is a streamlined, high-impact weekly program designed to support participants’ physical and mental wellbeing through a combination of structured exercise and light mental health activities. Delivered onsite, the program focuses on building resilience, engagement, and positive routines in a supportive group environment. 

The program was a perfect fit for Emily. It allowed her to connect with other participants in a supportive environment guided by qualified Allied Health professionals.

“Populi’s GLOVES programs were created for participants who may feel there isn’t a program for them, so seeing Emily secure employment after just one month in the GLOVES Essentials program in Alice Springs is incredibly rewarding,” said Alison Kaihau, COO of Populi Solutions.

“Her success reflects what can happen when people are given the right support, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to move forward. This outcome with Emily is exactly why Populi exists as an organisation.

“There is no greater satisfaction than seeing people reach their goals, feel their best, and move forward in their lives, and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding and powerful to witness.”

To achieve her next personal milestone, Emily is currently building up her driving hours and working toward gaining her provisional license.

Warren continues to be there for Emily by providing her with ongoing support, lending a helping hand and assistance every step of the way as she settles into her new job as retail assistant at a local jewellery store.

“I’m very proud of Emily, she has become more confident and comfortable each day,” said Warren.

“Seeing her engage so consistently during her sessions, is a sign that she will also bring the same commitment into the workplace. “

Connect with our Transition to Work team 

Bamara is a Workforce Australia provider of Transition to Work, a government initiative for young people aged 15-24. 

Transition to Work helps participants confidently identify their aspirations, build their skills, and either continue their education or prepare for a new job.