Tristan completed our SPARK JobTrainer Information Technology Taster program in 2021. This program commenced on Monday 26^th of July 2021 and was made possible thanks to JobTrainer a jointly funded initiative of the ACT and Australian Governments. This 9-week training program offered 4 units of competency from the Certificate III Information Technology. This program is unique in that the 4 units of competency were diversified across different areas of IT and students had the opportunity to learn web design, cyber security, hardware and social media tools.

Tristan first engaged with SPARK earlier in 2021 when he completed our SPARK Industry Explorer Program. Through this 13-week program he discovered an interest in Information Technology. Now engaged in study, he was eager to continue this journey and discover his career path. “Before SPARK, I was in a year-long slump, and not really taking my job search seriously. My Employment Services Provider suggested the SPARK Program and I thought, why not?”

“The program was fantastic for my confidence and skill development. I was unsure if I could get through schooling again, but the program helped me learn how to learn again. I found things that sparked my interest, and I learned about potential careers to go into.”

Our SPARK Relationship Managers journey alongside the participants, offering support in multiple areas. “The team at SPARK and UnitingCare Kippax checked up on me and helped me try out everything and anything that interested me. I found through the IT taster that a career in IT was not for me, and Rachel and Rina immediately leaped into action and supported me in my new direction, with the support of SPARK I have now begun a Traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care where I am engaged and challenged every day.”

When asked if Tristan would recommend SPARK to others Tristan says, “Absolutely. It helped me find a career and get a great start on the rest of my life, finding confidence I never thought I’d have again.”