Benazir’s headspace Work & Study story: balancing a bright future

When Benazir, aged 21, first connected with the headspace Work & Study Program, she was at a pivotal point in her career journey. She aspired to work in aged care, where she could care for and help others, but she had encountered several obstacles.

Less than two years earlier, Benazir had moved to Adelaide from Afghanistan with her family. She had secured casual work in retail and started a Certificate III in Disability and Aged Care, but was still learning how to navigate a new country, new systems, and new expectations. Without a network to lean on, she often felt alone in figuring out how to balance study, work, and progress towards her career goals.

That changed in May 2025, when she met Rose, an Employment Specialist in the headspace Work & Study program, at a TAFE event. Benazir approached her with an urgent request for help – and what followed over the next three months was a transformation built on trust, tailored guidance, and Benazir’s determination to seize every opportunity.

 

Working at it

When Benazir first met with Rose at headspace Edinburgh North, she shared exciting news – she had a supermarket job interview coming up. But she also admitted that this would be her third attempt at a similar role, and she hadn’t made it past the interview stage before.

Understanding how important this opportunity was, Rose spent more than an hour helping Benazir prepare for the interview. They worked through possible questions, refined responses, and building her confidence.

“I never tell them what to say,” Rose explains. “It’s about making sure they feel confident and comfortable in presenting themselves.”

This preparation paid off. Benazir went into the interview with new self-assurance — and got the job. Three months later, she had passed her probation period and was thriving in her role.

 

Finding placement

Benazir’s next goal was completing her Certificate III in Disability and Aged Care, which included sourcing a placement opportunity. With Rose’s help and advocacy, she secured an opportunity to finalise her Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability placement at a prominent aged care provider.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing at first. With her work commitments at the supermarket, finding time to complete the placement was proving a challenge. Fortunately, Benazir was highly motivated to make it work.

Benazir worked with Rose to negotiate three weeks of roster adjustments with her manager to complete the placement full-time. This not only allowed her to meet her course requirements but also gave her valuable experience in advocating for herself and asking for flexibility.

“She listens to everything,” Rose recalls. “She was active in driving her own journey and would reach out whenever she needed help.”

Rose also coordinated with Benazir’s training organisation to negotiate a full-time placement, instead of the standard part-time arrangement.

With these barriers removed, Benazir dove straight into the work she had longed to do.

“She managed her time really well,” Rose says. “She worked weekends, went straight from one job to another, and followed through on every plan we made.”

Benazir’s supervisors from her placement were impressed, providing glowing feedback that confirmed she was on the right track.

Achievements and outcomes

With Rose’s support, Benazir:

  • Successfully gained employment at a supermarket, building her interview skills and confidence.
  • Secured and completed (with flying colours!) an aged care placement to progress her Certificate III to completion.
  • Balanced work and study commitments by advocating for flexibility, communicating transparently, and managing her time effectively.
  • Deepened her understanding of Australian workplace systems, including income, rights, and entitlements.

     

Looking ahead

Benazir has completed her Certificate III and now awaits her Certificate of Completion. Once qualified, she plans to transition into an aged care role – and she knows Rose will be there to help connect her with employers and prepare for the next round of interviews.

Reflecting on her journey, Benazir says she has really enjoyed working with Rose.

“I now feel one hundred per cent on track with my life goals. Every time I meet with Rose, I feel like all my problems are solved just by talking with her. One thing I learned is that sharing your problems is a good thing – sometimes, other people have views that can help you solve them.”

Benazir’s story is proof of what’s possible when the right support meets the right mindset. Her journey reflects the idea at the heart of headspace Work & Study: empowering young people to navigate their futures with confidence.

 

Want support to achieve your work or study goals?

If you’re aged between 12-25, headspace Edinburgh North and headspace Onkaparinga can help you balance work, study and life commitments through the headspace Work & Study program.

For more information on how to access the program, including eligibility criteria, please visit sonder.net.au/employment-support-for-young-people.

headspace Work & Study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.