Everyone deserves the opportunity to secure meaningful employment and to pursue a career path that offers growth and progression. This is why at Afford, we are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities that recognise individual strengths, aspirations and potential.
As part of this commitment, Afford is proud to support its assisted employees in completing the Certificate I in Access to Vocational Pathways, via BSI Learning. This nationally recognised qualification represents a significant milestone, equipping participants with foundational skills such as reading, writing and numbers, plus the confidence to take the next steps in their working lives.
Recently we held a graduation ceremony to celebrate 20 supported employees who completed the course successfully, something that brought many challenges. Each student attended a three-hour class weekly for nine months while juggling work and home life and at times it was a struggle. But they kept at it.
A worthwhile effort
Chair of the Afford Board Carol Bryant acknowledged their dedication when she spoke at the event honouring the group’s efforts.
“This is a big achievement,” said Ms Bryant.
“Working and studying at the same time takes commitment and effort. You should feel proud of yourselves. By completing this course, you have built stronger skills in reading, writing and numbers. You have grown your confidence. You have shown that you can set a goal and achieve it.
Something to be proud of
“You have also earned a nationally recognised qualification. That is something important. It can support you in your current job. It can help you prepare for new roles in the future. It can also open the door to further study if that is something you choose.
“This certificate is more than a piece of paper. It represents your hard work. It represents your effort. It represents what you are capable of.”
Operations Manager Inclusive Employment Michael McEvoy, also in attendance on the night, agreed with Ms Bryant’s positive words and said he shared her pride in the students, all of whom he works with regularly and knows well.
Deep sense of pride
“It was challenging for them and there were difficult times … especially when a student lost confidence and felt they couldn’t do something … but they all got there in the end,” said Mr McEvoy.
“I am so proud of them because I know how much they gave to complete the course. And I know how proud they are themselves because they couldn’t wait to take the certificate from me,” he adds with a grin.
“It might sound funny, but I know that means they’re proud and rightly so.”
For media inquiries contact Communications Specialist Kelly Baker
Email: Kelly.Baker@Afford.com.au
M: 0479 033 299.
