This National Skills Week, we’re celebrating the journeys of people who’ve turned training into opportunity, from finding their first job to building confidence and stepping into their future.
For 16-year-old Joseph Cachia from Charlestown, that story began when he joined VERTO's Transition to Work program in January 2025 with a quiet determination to grow. His goals were clear: secure a job, gain confidence, and start working toward his driver’s licence and dream career.
Like many young people leaving school, Joseph faced barriers including transport challenges, low confidence and motivation. But with the right support, things began to shift.
After completing a Barista course through VERTO, Joseph enrolled in the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program. There, under the guidance of SEE Trainer Paula Quigley-Walker, he quickly found his rhythm, and his voice.
In the classroom, Joseph not only strengthened his language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, but also formed genuine friendships that have continued outside the classroom. His growing confidence and friendly nature made him a vibrant part of the group, always happy for a chat and eager to learn.
By June, Joseph’s hard work paid off when he landed a casual job at Pattison's Patisserie, putting his barista skills into practice.
With his eyes still firmly set on the future, Joseph has enrolled in a Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology at TAFE NSW. Balancing his SEE studies, casual work, and upcoming TAFE course, Joseph is building a strong foundation for his goals, one step at a time.
Although a little camera shy, Joseph agreed to a photo, but only if SEE Program Coordinator Hailey Jordan jumped in too. And that snapshot perfectly captures his journey: supported, empowered, and smiling toward the future.
Not sure what comes next after school? Whether you want to explore work, build real-world skills, or grow your confidence, our VERTO’s SEE and Transition to Work programs can help you get there.
For more information about the Skills for Education and Employment program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit www.verto.org.au/skills-for-education-and-employment. For details about our Transition to Work program, visit www.verto.org.au/employment-services/transition-to-work.
