Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs “My iTrack mentor gave me the advice I needed.” – Lachlan
26 August 2021
Lachlan grew up missing out. While other students showed off their latest sneakers or stationery, he watched from the outside. Over time he became unsure of himself. By Year 10, Lachlan had a clear career goal but lacked the self-belief and guidance to pursue it. Having an iTrack mentor filled in the gaps and fueled his ambition.
“My parents don't work because they're retired. My dad wants to keep working but he's got a bad back,” said Lachlan.
“I don't get too many extras. I’m not like other students who have parents who are young enough to still have jobs.”
As a Champion, you make sure that disadvantaged students are not held back by their circumstances. And it has changed Lachlan’s life.
Lachlan was always better at practical subjects and after taking cooking at school, he knew he wanted to be a chef. Yet a lack of confidence and industry knowledge stopped him from moving forward on his career path. Then he took part in iTrack, our online mentoring program which you make possible.
“I'm a nervous person. My mentor told me not to be afraid of going out into the big wide world. He taught me that if you want to do something, try to follow it – don't let an opportunity slip away,” said Lachlan.
Now Lachlan is completing a TAFE course through school so he can get an apprenticeship.
“I asked for professional advice and about how my mentor got through challenging situations. I've become braver and formed a new opinion of how to think and go about things in the hospitality industry,” he said.
Talking to their trained volunteer mentors online helps disadvantaged students to feel at ease. And it made a huge difference to Lachlan’s social skills and self-belief.
Having a mentor is important because it lets you open up to somebody who can give you the advice that you need.
Personal and emotional support can be one of the most meaningful and important aspects of a positive school to work transition, because more and more young people are experiencing anxiety-related conditions.1
“At first it was a little bit scary because you've got to talk to someone you don’t know. But at the same time, it helped me because I thought it would be good to know somebody who has done what I want to do, like being a chef,” said Lachlan.
“Having a mentor is important because it lets you open up to somebody who can give you the advice that you need. As well as giving you a broader view about the professional world, they help you with general stuff.
“And I’ve gained more friends since doing iTrack.”
Young people represent less than one fifth of the total labour force, yet comprise more than one third of all unemployed people.2 Having access to guidance about different career and study options is vital for disadvantaged students.
Lachlan now feels well-equipped to achieve his goal and he is so grateful.
“Thank you for letting me talk to somebody who has had so much experience! My dream is to become a chef and either work in a famous commercial kitchen or open my own restaurant,” he said.
1. The Smith Family Research Report. Young people’s successful transition to work: What are the pre-conditions?
2. Brotherhood of St Laurence 2014 Australian youth unemployment: 2014 Snapshot, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Melbourne.
2. Brotherhood of St Laurence 2014 Australian youth unemployment: 2014 Snapshot, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Melbourne.
