Life as a job coach
When I embarked on my journey with the Legacy project I knew I had many transferable life skills to bring to the role. What I was totally unprepared for, was how this role would change my own thought processes and aspirations.
I am reminded daily of the dedication, resilience, and hope our interns display as they work towards a future where they feel valued and connected to their local community.
Being a job coach is a rewarding, nurturing role which is built upon the foundations of trust, respect and rapport with your interns, their parents, college tutors, business providers and your colleagues.
It’s a true collaboration of like-minded people sharing the same focus which is to provide guidance and support to interns looking to learn essential skills in order to achieve their dream job through paid employment.
In reality it’s much more than this, it’s about understanding their past, present and future goals. Inspiring change by being a good role model, ensuring effective communication, supporting their pastoral needs, providing educational support as they complete college assignments and being a trusted adult in an often daunting world.
Day to day, my role involves travel training, encouragement and motivation. It’s making sure that your interns are work ready having eaten breakfast, dressed smartly and arriving on time. We support those conversations with staff as our interns get to work, guiding them as they become increasingly independent and confident then celebrating success.
It’s being patient, compassionate and understanding when the day doesn’t go to plan. We pause, review then refocus our interns on their goals, reminding them of how much they have already grown on this journey.
Job Coaches make every day count and start each new day afresh. With Interns encouraged by work colleagues that they are valued and respected. Our photos capture those treasured moments and milestones ready to celebrate with classmates, tutors and parents alike.
We strive to make a difference and be a catalyst for change.