When Laci first connected with Bendigo TAFE’s Skills and Jobs Centre, she was 21 and feeling uncertain about her next step.
She had completed Year 12 and previously worked in casual, seasonal roles, but ongoing work had been hard to secure. Experiencing high levels of anxiety and with limited personal support, Laci attended her first appointment with the encouragement of her grandmother.
“I needed help working out what to do next,” Laci says. “Doing it on my own felt overwhelming.”
Finding the right support
Through one‑on‑one guidance at the Skills and Jobs Centre, Laci received practical support to build her confidence and job‑search skills. This included help with resumes, cover letters and understanding local employment opportunities.
In early 2024, Laci returned to explore longer‑term options that could offer stability and growth. With support from the team, she reflected on her strengths and interests and began exploring training pathways that could fit around casual work.
After visiting Bendigo TAFE facilities, Laci identified early childhood education as a potential career – even though she wasn’t completely sure at first.
To help her make an informed decision, the Skills and Jobs Centre organised a local kindergarten tour and a three‑day volunteer placement. Laci was also supported to obtain a Working with Children Check, Police Check and other requirements needed to begin training.
Taking the next step at Bendigo TAFE
With a clearer sense of direction, Laci enrolled in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) at Bendigo TAFE. Before her first class, she met again with the Skills and Jobs Centre team to familiarise herself with the campus and understand what student support services were available.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Laci says. “I’m keeping up with my assessments and I’ve made some friends.”
As her studies progressed, Laci continued to access support – returning to update her resume, reflect on her placement experience and prepare for employment opportunities.
She took part in classroom job‑readiness workshops and received tailored application support, which soon paid off. Following her placement, Laci was offered a role as an early childhood educator.
“Thank you so much for helping me out with finding something,” she says. “It’s been hard when I had to do it alone.”
A supported pathway from study to work
Across multiple face‑to‑face appointments and ongoing email support, Laci’s journey highlights the value of personalised, consistent guidance. From building confidence and exploring options to enrolling, studying and finding work, the Skills and Jobs Centre provided support at every stage.
“Thanks to your help, I’m here now – thriving in my new job,” Laci says.
Laci’s story is one of many that show how Bendigo TAFE connects confidence, education and employment – helping students and jobseekers find pathways that work for them, at their own pace.
Ready to study with Bendigo TAFE?
When you study with Bendigo TAFE, you’re supported every step of the way — from choosing the right course to enrolling, studying and moving into work. With wrap‑around services, including career advice, wellbeing support and job‑readiness assistance, you don’t have to do it alone.
Explore your study options with Bendigo TAFE and start a pathway that’s supported from day one.
