When David first came to Civic’s Job Pathways with his mum to meet Job Coach Felino, both were understandably cautious. Previous experiences with other employment providers had left them feeling uncertain about starting over with a new service.
By taking the time to explain Civic’s approach and the supports available, Felino reassured David and his mother they were in the right place. From those early conversations, trust began to grow, laying the foundation for a positive and supportive working relationship.
In the beginning, David was very quiet and hesitant to share his thoughts. Meeting new people and social interactions were significant challenges for him, and his confidence and self-belief often held him back from trying new opportunities.
Over time, through regular appointments and a client-centred approach, Felino encouraged David to participate more actively in conversations, talk about his interests and share his experiences. As their rapport grew, David became increasingly comfortable expressing himself and engaging in discussions.
According to Felino, one of the most rewarding changes has been seeing David arrive at appointments smiling, confident and ready to chat. He even started sharing one of his hidden talents – impersonating celebrity voices – which quickly became a highlight of many conversations. It was a clear sign of how much his confidence had grown and how comfortable he felt being himself.
To further support his development, David took part in a range of community and self-advocacy activities, including arts programs, film sessions and men’s discussion groups. These experiences gave him valuable opportunities to connect with people outside of his immediate family and continue building his communication and social skills in a supportive environment.
David also turned his focus towards his employment goals. With Felino’s support, he enrolled in a Traffic Control Course and successfully completed the program, gaining the qualifications and tickets required to work as a Traffic Controller.
Completing the course was a major milestone. Not only did David earn an industry-recognised qualification, but he also spent three weeks learning alongside others, further developing his confidence and social skills. The achievement boosted his self-belief and reinforced what he is capable of accomplishing when he steps outside his comfort zone.
Since receiving support, David has made remarkable progress. From a young man who was initially hesitant and withdrawn, he has grown into someone who communicates openly, participates in community activities and actively pursues employment opportunities.
David’s journey is a wonderful reminder that with the right support, encouragement and belief, meaningful growth can happen one step at a time. We look forward to seeing what he achieves next.
