At just 15 years old, Zayden is beginning to think about his future and what life after school might look like.
Like many young people his age, Zayden is learning more about responsibility, independence, and making choices for himself. These steps may seem small, but they are important in helping him feel more confident about what comes next.
Zayden and his dad learned about Mosaic’s Learn2Adult program at a college job expo. Like many families, they wanted help to understand how to prepare for work and life after school. For Zayden, who lives with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism, the idea of getting his first job felt exciting but also a little scary. Our Learn2Adult program was there to support him.
Learning how to get ready for work
Through Learn2Adult, Zayden worked closely with Sophie Hope, our Learn2Adult Coach, to learn what steps are needed to get a job and what employers expect. The focus was on practical skills that would help Zayden feel more confident and prepared for work after school.
Together, Sophie and Zayden worked on many employment‑focused activities. These included learning how to:
- Write a resume and cover letter
- Create a CV from scratch
- Explore different types of jobs and workplaces
- Learn about minimum wages and fair working conditions
- Research places where Zayden could volunteer to gain experience
- Understand job expectations, such as timekeeping and workplace rules
- Practise job interview questions
- Role play real-life work situations
Getting a job is a process that takes time, preparation, and practice. Working with Sophie helped break this journey into clear and manageable steps. By learning what to expect and taking things one step at a time, the process felt easier to understand and less overwhelming.
Zayden is particularly interested in working with a fast-food chain in the food & beverages sector. He likes the idea of being active, working as part of a team, and learning how to be more independent in a busy environment.
Personal growth along the way
One of the biggest achievements during Zayden’s Learn2Adult journey wasn’t something that could be written on a resume, it was personal growth.
From Sophie’s perspective, Zayden developed a much stronger understanding of the expectations and responsibilities that come with having a job. This helped him feel more prepared and confident about his future.
Zayden’s dad also noticed a meaningful shift.
“I saw Zayden grow and become more independent,” he shared.
When asked about the challenges Zayden faced in making independent decisions, his dad explained that understanding “the concept of life” itself was a big hurdle. Learn2Adult helped break those big ideas down into achievable, realistic steps.
Building confidence with the right support
According to Zayden’s dad, the coaching process helped his son see that getting a job involves more than just filling out applications, it’s about preparation, patience, and self-awareness.
“I could see growth throughout. He understands it’s not as simple as applying for a job,” he said.
While Zayden is naturally growing and learning as he gets older, his dad believes Learn2Adult played an important role in building his confidence and helping him feel more ready to make decisions on his own.
“This may have just given him a boost of confidence,” he reflected.
Sometimes, that extra confidence is exactly what a young person needs to move forward.
Preparing for the next stage of life
Zayden’s experience shows what Learn2Adult is all about. The program supports young people with disability (aged 12+) as they move toward adulthood in a way that feels clear, supportive, and encouraging.
By focusing on building confidence, independence, and setting clear goals, Learn2Adult helped Zayden feel more prepared for the next stage of his life. Even though he has not started paid work yet, he now has a better understanding of what lies ahead and what steps he can take next.
His journey is still unfolding, but Zayden is no longer standing at the starting line unsure of what comes next. He’s moving forward with knowledge, confidence, and the support of his family and Mosaic Community Care behind him.
We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him.
Ready to take the next step?
Mosaic’s Learn2Adult program is designed to support people with disability to build everyday life skills. Delivered both in-person and via telehealth, the coaching is offered flexibly that fits around each person’s goals and lifestyle. You can access the Learn2Adult coaching service via NDIS funding or on a free-for-service basis.
Learn more about Learn2Adult and how it supports young people to prepare for life after school. Call us on (08) 9314 8900 or email hello@mosaic.org.au.