When Elijah Ross first joined VERTO’s Transition to Work program in Lismore in August 2024, he was a quiet and reserved 19-year-old, still finding his footing and unsure of what direction his future might take.
With the guidance of his Case Manager, Emily Anderson-Smith, Elijah began to take small but meaningful steps forward. One of his first achievements was gaining his White Card, an important milestone that helped him explore entry-level opportunities while building confidence.
Emily also connected Elijah to the Match Fit program through a partnership with the Local Jobs North Coast Youth Apprenticeships Pathways Program, where he began improving both his physical wellbeing and social confidence. Over time, he started to open up, form connections, and engage more actively.
“It was great to see Elijah come out of his shell,” Emily said. “He showed real commitment and gradually became more confident in himself and his abilities.”
Recognising Elijah’s goal of becoming more independent, Emily supported him in obtaining his Learner Driver Licence and organised professional driving lessons. This not only built essential life skills but also gave Elijah a greater sense of independence and control over his future.
As his confidence grew, Elijah took the next step by joining the Connect Northern Rivers’ Work Foundations Program in September 2025, a six-month course delivered through their social enterprise, Next Ship, where he developed job-readiness skills and gained real-life work experience aligned with his skills, interests, and needs. This opportunity became a major turning point for Elijah. Initially nervous about the interview process, he worked closely with Emily to prepare and step outside his comfort zone. When he was selected for the program and received strong feedback from the employer highlighting his performance, it was a moment that gave him a real sense of pride and the motivation to keep moving forward.
“I was pretty nervous going into the interview, but once I got through it and found out I was selected, I felt really proud of myself. It showed me I could actually do it,” Elijah said.
It was during this time that he began to define his long-term goals.
“I realised I wanted to do something meaningful and give back to my community,” Elijah said. “Working in a government role, especially in health, felt like the right path for me.”
Proudly identifying as Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr, Elijah was passionate about making a difference. With Emily’s ongoing support, he pursued opportunities aligned with both his career aspirations and cultural identity.
In February 2026, Elijah achieved a major milestone, securing a role with NSW Health as an Aboriginal Health Trainee. This opportunity also led him to relocate to Sydney, a significant and exciting step that reflected how far he had come in his journey. As part of his traineeship, he is working toward gaining his security licence, progressing toward a future role as a Health and Security Officer.
“I’m really proud of how far I’ve come,” Elijah said. “I feel more confident, more motivated, and I’m excited about where this path will take me. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without VERTO’s support and Emily’s guidance.”
“Watching Elijah grow and transform into a confident, enthusiastic young man who approaches his work and future goals with pride has been incredibly rewarding,” Emily said. “He’s worked hard for every opportunity and truly deserves the success he’s achieving.”
From a young person unsure of his next steps to a confident trainee contributing to his community, Elijah’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right support.
If you’re aged 15–24 and unsure of your next step, VERTO’s Transition to Work program can help you build confidence, develop skills, and find a job that suits your goals and interests.
Learn more about Transition to Work: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/transition-to-work
