Building new skills and confidence for work and travel

Gary has been attending Northcott on the Sunshine Coast for two years, making progress every week in building practical new skills and independence.

Through the Life Skills and Work and Study programs, Gary has been learning different things that will help him succeed in the workplace and community.

He has developed budgeting skills, food hygiene skills and computer skills, while also learning how to answer questions, use body language and listen to instructions.

Gary is especially proud of completing his food safety certificate study modules, describing it as one of his biggest achievements at Northcott.

He enjoys the hands-on side of the program, including cooking, shopping at Woolworths, checking food prices and learning how much things cost.

Gary says Northcott is helping him work towards a meaningful personal goal.

“My goal is to get work experience to then get a job so I can save money to go to Korea,” he says.

With Northcott Sunshine Coast now located at a new and updated centre, Gary is especially loving the big whiteboard, the comfy couch and the quiet environment. He’s also continuing to enjoy allied health support to build important communication and work-related skills.

Northcott Speech Pathologist, Grace Brock, says they have been working together to develop a resume, focussing on identifying his strengths, preferred topics and areas of interest.

“Gary and I have been considering future employment opportunities that align with these. He demonstrates strong engagement when provided with simplified, clear instructions, visual supports and adequate processing time,” Grace says.

“Throughout this process he has shown increased feelings of safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship, alongside growing confidence as he works towards his goals.”

On top of the different skills he is learning, Gary says one of the best parts of coming to Northcott is “having a chat with people.”

That sense of connection has supported him as he works towards his bigger goals for the future.

“It’s so rewarding to support Gary, and it makes me feel proud and inspired to see his confidence and self-awareness continue to develop,” Grace says.

As he continues to learn and grow new skills, Gary’s progress shows how the right support can help turn consistent steps into achieving dreams.