The first couple of years after leaving school can feel uncertain. For many young people, it’s a time of figuring things out, what you enjoy, where you fit, and how to get that first real opportunity.
For 19-year-olds Taylor Zaal and Aleisha Green in Grafton, that feeling was very real.
Aleisha had been volunteering and applying for jobs but kept getting knocked back. She was ready to start working and build some independence, but without the right opportunity, it was hard to take that next step.
Taylor was in a similar position. With no previous work experience, he was keen to build a future in customer service, but like many young people, he just needed someone to give him a chance.
Both joined VERTO’s Transition to Work program in 2025, working closely with their local Employment Consultants, Katrina Davies and Kristine Booby. Together, they focused on the basics, building resumes, preparing for interviews, and getting job-ready.
Along the way, both Taylor and Aleisha took every opportunity to build their skills and confidence. Taylor completed his First Aid certification, while Aleisha undertook a Hospitality course, gaining her RSA to explore different job pathways.
They stayed committed, taking on new opportunities as they worked towards finding the right fit.
Early in 2026, VERTO identified a local opportunity. Chemist Warehouse Grafton was looking for new staff, but applicants needed a basic understanding of the pharmacy environment. The team quickly got to work, organising a pre-employment training program through a local partnership with Rigel Health to help bridge that gap.
Over two weeks, as part of a small group of six participants, Taylor and Aleisha gained hands-on knowledge, built confidence, and developed the skills they needed to step into the industry.
With further support from their case managers, including additional interview preparation and help with interview clothing, both felt ready to take the next step and were eager to give it a go.
Their hard work paid off.
After impressing at the interview, Taylor and Aleisha were both offered roles with Chemist Warehouse Grafton, commencing employment on 23 February as Pharmacy Assistants. For Taylor, it marked a major milestone, his first ever job.
“The team helped me with everything, from getting my licence to doing the course,” Taylor said. “I didn’t have any experience before, so they organised everything to help me get this job. I’m really grateful for the support.”
“The course helped me learn a lot and feel more prepared,” Aleisha said. “The team made sure I had everything sorted before starting, so I felt a lot more confident going into it.”
Support didn’t stop there. Once employed, VERTO assisted with work clothing and continued to work alongside both participants as they build their independence. Taylor has since gained his provisional driver’s licence and bought a car, with VERTO covering the cost of new tyres, while Aleisha is working towards her learner licence.
Now, both Taylor and Aleisha are thriving and genuinely enjoying their work in an industry they had not previously considered. They have built confidence, gained independence, and are developing skills in roles they can see themselves growing in.
“I’ve been really enjoying the job so far,” Aleisha said. “It’s different to what I expected, but in a good way.”
Their story is a powerful example of how local partnerships, the right preparation, and ongoing support can open doors, helping young people turn uncertainty into opportunity, and opportunity into a future.
If you’re aged 15–24 and unsure of your next step, VERTO’s Transition to Work program can help you build confidence, gain practical skills, and discover opportunities you may not have considered.
Learn more about Transition to Work: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/transition-to-work
