Adult learning can be a powerful turning point, especially for those who feel stuck despite having qualifications. That was the case for Chris, who joined the Workforce Australia – Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program, delivered by ETC, with low expectations.
After months of job searching and growing discouragement, Chris assumed the program would be just another tick-box exercise. He had already completed his real estate certificate but couldn’t seem to break into the industry.
Instead, he discovered a flexible, personalised and supportive adult learning environment that helped him rebuild his confidence, connect with others facing similar challenges, and take real steps toward a new career.
The Career Transition Assistance program is a short-term, hands-on adult learning initiative designed for mature-aged job seekers aged 45 and over. Running for approximately 4 to 6 weeks in small groups, it’s not like going back to school. It’s practical, engaging, and tailored to real-world outcomes.
Participants gain:
Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or recovering from redundancy, the CTA program offers the kind of support that helps you move forward.
Chris had the qualification but not the traction. Despite completing his real estate certification, he struggled to get responses from employers. The silence was disheartening.
“I thought I was the only one going through this,” he admitted.
Early in the CTA program, Chris realised he wasn’t alone. Many mature-aged participants were facing similar challenges. That sense of shared experience helped lift his spirits and reminded him that he wasn’t in this journey by himself.
As the program progressed, Chris became a supportive and engaged member of the group. He helped classmates with computer tasks and shared his own journey and life experience openly.
With guidance from ETC’s Training Advisor, Lenore, Chris updated his resume and began thinking creatively about how to approach employers. His motivation grew day by day.
Chris’s renewed confidence and proactive mindset paid off. He secured two interviews with real estate agencies and landed a position with one of them.
“It was a great course that was responsible for giving me back my mojo,” Chris said.
“Thank you very much to the trainer and class for bringing the best out of me. I’m on my way to a new career. A course well worth it.”
Chris’s story is a testament to the transformative power of adult learning. Through the CTA program, he not only gained practical skills but also rediscovered his self-belief.
His journey reminds us that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and take steps toward a brighter future, especially with the right support.
If you’re aged 45 years or older and looking to re-enter the workforce or change careers, the Career Transition Assistance program can help you build confidence, identify your strengths, and take the next step.
Call our friendly team on 1800 007 400 or fill out the Enquire Now form on this page.
During Adult Learners Week, we celebrate stories like Chris’s – real people embracing new opportunities through learning. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce or changing careers, support is available to help you succeed in adult education.
Explore more inspiring stories from mature-aged job seekers who found new direction through the CTA program:
Fill out this form and one of our team members will contact you.
When you’re looking for support, Ask Izzy can help you to find the services you need, now and nearby. It is free and anonymous, and you can search over 360,000 services to find housing, meals, money help, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment and a whole lot more.
Visit Ask Izzy - https://askizzy.org.au/
If you’re on the Telstra mobile network, you can access Ask Izzy even if you don’t have credit.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest tips, trends and business insights from ETC.
