The last time Cathie applied for a job was back in the 90s, when applying online for jobs was a completely new concept, and the best way to find a job was to meet an employer face-to-face with a resume in hand.

Cathie found computers intimidating and struggled to navigate the digital landscape.

Since connecting with Bamara through the Career Transition Assistance program in Nambucca Heads, she has broadened her horizons when it comes to finding employment using online tools, with a keen willingness to keep finessing her skills in digital literacy.

Cathie participated in the program in August 2024 after a referral to our training from her job coach, and completed her training with flying colours.

Career Transition Assistance is a government initiative designed for people aged 45 and over, which helps participants identify the right career pathway to work, whether they are returning to work, looking for a new opportunity, or wanting to change careers.   

At first, it was a lot to take in. When she attended her first class, she realised the extent of what she didn’t know and was worried about frustrating others by asking too many questions.

“I went in thinking I had a lot of experience. When I sat down for my first class, I realised how much I didn’t know,” Cathie said.

However, Merv, the CTA facilitator, took the time to help her understand, approaching every question with endless patience and keeping each session engaging and interesting. 

“With limited computer experience, Merv taught me just how much I didn’t know & now has given me a keen willingness to learn more, which has been fantastic,” Cathie said.

Merv approaches teaching this course not just as a chance to teach participants, like Cathie, new concepts, but to instill confidence in them that they can achieve their goals and aspirations.

“It’s not just about teaching someone about job searching. It’s about telling them that it’s possible and reinforcing that they can do it,” Merv said.

Trudy, her support facilitator present throughout the course, observed her persistence and admired her perseverance and curiosity to keep asking questions.  

“It was great watching her progress and being able to sit in the class and watch her confidence and openness come from the class,” Trudy said.

With her newfound cyber-smarts, she is now the proud owner of her first computer.  

The first thing she did with her computer was write an email to her job coach and Bamara mentors, Merv and Trudy, to thank them for their kindness and patience in helping her open her eyes to new ideas and prospects.  

Through the course, she saw the value of social media for job searching and having online job profiles, and despite being adamantly against social media, is now considering creating her own profiles.   

Not only did she gain new skills in digital literacy, but she also gained the invaluable self-confidence that helped her realise the array of opportunities at her fingertips and how to best go after them.  

“Everything surprised me! I was enlightened in so many ways & I am very grateful to Merv, Trudy & Bamara for this opportunity,” Cathie said,

“I’ll be an IT specialist before you know it!” 

She’s looking forward to finding a job in a new industry, such as community services, where she can work to help others. We wish Cathie all the best in her future endeavours!

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