Who is the GROW community?
Sally, 22 - Corio
Sally is a single mum who didn’t finish year 10 and has never had a job before. Sally recently completed a business essentials course and is keen for part time work. Sally’s major barriers are not having any work experience or workrelated referees.
Sally also has social anxiety and knows that she does not interview well, even though she has been working on these skills with her local job provider
James, 42 - Corio
James was an engineer for many years before he had to flee his home country due to war. James spent several years in a refugee camp before he was settled in Australia. Since coming to Australia, James has found it hard to find full-time ongoing work but has had several farm labouring jobs.
James speaks English but has a strong accent so sometimes people find it hard to understand him.
Jenny, 54 - Whittington
Jenny has four grown up children and is now looking to re-enter the workforce after 30 years at home. Before becoming a mother, Jenny completed a secretarial course and worked with a local accountant for three years as the office manager. Jenny has applied for 40 jobs in the past month ranging from entry level office work to retail work.
Jenny hasn’t even been granted an interview. Although Jenny hasn’t been in the workforce for 30 years, she still has lots of transferable skills.
Cody, 18 - Colac
Cody has lived with 11 different families and been to five schools between the ages of 6 and 16. Cody has been living independently in transitional housing for the past two years and has just completed his senior VCAL.
Cody has depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and lacks positive adult role models in his life. Cody is really keen to work but has not been able to keep a job for more than three months.
