Explore Mackay: A Milestone Moment in Confidence and Career Readiness

November marked a major milestone for our Explore participants from Mackay State High School as they completed one of the pinnacle moments of the program—their mock interviews!

This achievement comes after 22 weeks of building confidence, communication skills and vocational readiness.

We were pleased to welcome back Jane, Bank Manager from our corporate supporter at Westpac in Mackay, who first visited the group in October. Returning in November to undertake the mock interview session, Jane shared how she noticed an immediate positive change in the group’s confidence, communication and presentation. Sunglasses and hats which were previously worn alongside nerves had been replaced with eye contact, assertive voices and thoughtful, expressive answers. Some participants even asked their own questions to Jane in the mock interviews, something they would never have felt comfortable doing earlier in the semester.

Jane, along with HPHH Program Trainer, Terri, and Volunteer, Tash, shared how every moment reflected genuine confidence and all-round growth.

This month, our Explore participants will officially graduate and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and courage. We cannot wait to see where their new-found confidence takes them as they prepare for various work experience opportunities. 🐾✨