Cooking up Confidence through SEE

18-year-old Georgina and 15-year-old Demi shared a common goal of finding part-time employment, but recognised the need to improve their reading, writing and digital skills—as well as confidence—before entering the workforce.

Georgina and Demi met in their shared Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program class at TAFE Queensland’s Mackay location.

The SEE program equips Australians aged over 15 with critical language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to pave the way for employment or further training. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Through SEE, both Georgina and Demi improved their confidence to the point of securing part-time employment at the local hockey field canteen.

Georgina found the program particularly helpful for preparing for her role at the canteen.

‘As well as my Year 10 Maths and English, I was able to complete my Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) accreditations through SEE,’ she said.

‘I’ve also become confident enough to come to work and serve two hundred people every weekend.’

Demi’s journey through SEE was equally beneficial. After gaining critical literacy and numeracy skills, she was able to secure both the canteen role and a local retail job.

‘I used to be really anxious, but the SEE program has given me good practice at talking to people,’ Demi said.

For Georgina and Demi, SEE wasn’t just a program—it was a stepping stone toward achieving their career goals. Both young women now handle busy roles on Saturdays with ease thanks to the preparation they received in the classroom.

The pair’s success highlights how tailored education and skills training can prepare individuals for real-world challenges.