Inspiring dreams - Kylie's story
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys employment and training program – Dream, Believe, Achieve – has had its fair share of success stories since beginning in 2015, but Kylie’s is one of outstanding achievement against the odds and personal journey of self-discovery.
From a tough up-bringing to dropping in and out of school, Kylie (17) didn’t have a plan for her future before prematurely leaving high school, but after hearing about the Cowboys community program through family and friends, she hasn’t looked back.
“Hearing how good the program was just made me want to join the group…it’s an amazing way to meet new people and have fun; and the program has definitely helped me,” Kylie said.
Dream, Believe, Achieve is a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys training and employment program delivering accredited courses to unemployed and disadvantaged North Queenslanders, with mentoring support to assist in completing training and securing ongoing paid employment.
READ MORE>> Cowboys Dream Believe Achieve
Completing her Certificate III in Hospitality earlier this year, Kylie is now employed full-time with Allara Learning as a Junior Office Administration Assistant and says the program has played a huge part in being able to achieve her goal of ongoing employment.
“The program helped me gain my confidence and help me believe in myself…I am over the moon now I have a full-time job,” Kylie said.
“Over the first week into the program I was still in my shell a bit, [but] I knew I was going to make it somewhere [and] when the course was finished I just had to believe in it.”
Partnering with the program from early 2016, major partner Allara Learning has helped hundreds of North Queenslanders gain an industry-recognised qualification.
Allara Learning Queensland State Manager, Arthur Burchett said Kylie’s story is one that can help inspire future students from all manner of backgrounds.
“Her story inspires other people because it demonstrates that even if you didn’t finish school for any reason, there are opportunities out there for you to take,” Mr Burchett said.
“Students can learn from Kylie that life is tough, you don’t need to be the number one academic to succeed, you just need to put an honest effort in, give it your best and be serious about wanting to achieve your goal and you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.”
“Stories like Kylie’s are very common and a lot of people feel embarrassed and not confident of achieving anything as they have low self-esteem, this is why it is important to have Kylie part of my team to share her story and help change people’s lives.”
The Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve program will be expanding to Cairns, Far North Queensland from January next year, with expressions of interests open now!
To find out more, and secure your interview spot, contact Marian Malua on (07) 4773 0782 or mmalua@cowboys.com.au
