Stef, a newly promoted paid trainee in our Adelaide hub, has shown unwavering determination on her path to mainstream employment—and in life more broadly.
Stef has battled a chronic health condition that causes severe headaches, frequently disrupting her life—until recently, when medical treatments helped provide relief.
Despite this challenge, Stef hasn’t let her medical condition define her. Instead, she has pursued multiple qualifications and work experiences across a wide range of roles to help build a career she can be proud of. At just 23, her résumé is impressive and a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Prior to starting at Jigsaw, Stef had completed three TAFE courses and was working on a fourth. She earned a Certificate II and III in Animal Care Studies and was working towards a Certificate IV in Library and Information Services.
She also gained hands-on experience as a hairdressing assistant, volunteered at the Hearing Dog Centre in Verdun, and continues to assist her horse-riding instructor – work she describes as tough but rewarding.
Despite her varied experience, Stef felt she lacked confidence in the workplace, so she turned to Jigsaw to help fill this gap in her skill set.
“I’m currently a paid trainee at Jigsaw, working for DXC as a Workers Compensation Consultant, processing claims for the Woolworths Group,” Stef said. “It’s given me insight into what a typical 9-to-5 job in a mainstream workplace is like, and I’m really enjoying learning new skills to help get me ready for mainstream employment.”
The work experience Stef has gained at Jigsaw has been complemented by Jigsaw’s Academy program, which supports trainees in mastering 22 transferable skills through group and one-on-one training sessions.
“Having that focus skill for the week is really beneficial because it means that you learn how to implement different skills in a workplace. Jigsaw has really increased my skills in a lot of different areas—specifically my confidence. I will advocate for Jigsaw 100% because they’ve been so beneficial for everything,” Stef said.
During her time as a trainee, Stef also discovered a passion for mentoring, which helped her develop valuable communication and adaptability skills.
“I particularly enjoyed mentoring other trainees in different areas. This allowed me to learn new skills in communication, flexibility, and resourcefulness, as well as how to teach people with different learning styles. When you’re mentoring, you’ve got to be really flexible and able to adjust at the drop of a hat.”
Some of the transferable skills Stef has found most useful include conflict management, organisation, and prioritisation—all of which are now helping her succeed in her current role. Her goal of becoming a paid trainee has already been achieved, and now she’s working toward securing open employment in an area of interest.
“I’ve learned that I can do more than I thought I could. I’ve learned how important it is to believe in myself and be confident in my abilities. I’ve also found that I really enjoy data entry, which is perfect for my current job.”
When asked what advice she’d give to businesses looking to create more inclusive workplaces, Stef shared a powerful message:
“Different perspectives can add so much value to your business. Just because someone has different learning and communication skills—or looks different—doesn’t mean their opinions are any less valid. Everyone deserves to be heard and given a shot. Each person’s voice is important.”
For Stef, Jigsaw has been a crucial part of her growth—both personally and professionally.
“Jigsaw has been an integral part of building my confidence, and I’ve been really grateful for their support and encouragement during some of my difficult times. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to start looking for a job but doesn’t feel super confident to jump straight into open employment.”