Insight by our CEO, Ray Mostogl

It’s a word thrown around a lot, often said that it’s a missing capability in the workforce, but what does “resilience” look like, and is it really that hard to uncover and nurture?

           As an employer, KEEN Partners knows helping employees “grow” means more than mastering the technical aspects of a job or a profession. Helping our employees discover ways to apply respectful social interaction skills in a workplace while dealing with all the frailties of being human, such as anxiety, worry and self-confidence, is a vital dimension to being considered highly employable.

           A Trainee recently graduated after completing his Certificate II qualification over a period of 15 months. At his interview he was unable to look us in the eye. Perhaps it’s easier not to make eye contact after years of being unsuccessful? Nevertheless, there was something present and positive deep down in his values, despite having negligible prior work experience.  

Half way through the traineeship he recognised this particular vocation was not what he ultimately wanted to do. Faced with a choice to quit or complete, he decided to stick it out. He felt he’d been ‘given a break’ when so many other potential employers had knocked back previous attempts to secure employment. He felt the support shown to him from KEEN, TasTAFE and his host employer warranted the commitment from him to complete the qualification. He also understood how important it will be to say he finished his traineeship for his next job.

"Resilience means not worrying about "What now?"
and instead, focusing on "What's next?"

Sticking with the task when it’s expected, despite personally not enjoying it, is something every career has – no one can escape the fact. He discovered he can persevere and knows he’s capable of not letting others down, but most importantly, his decision means he can hold his head up high with the inner knowledge of what he is capable of. This builds confidence. This builds self-belief. This builds resilience.

Today he stands tall. He speaks with far more confidence. He can look you in the eye. 

 His new found confidence has seen him take charge of his future and he has enrolled in further vocational training in a profession which was always seen as too far away.

KEEN is proud of the partnership which has changed this person’s life and we know the capability exists in many of our young people.
It just needs to be nurtured.

*This experience is real, however we’ve specifically kept the details of this trainee anonymous to respect privacy and our trusted relationship.