Celebrating our ‘paw-some’ Toowoomba Explore graduates

Our Explore cohort in Toowoomba has officially graduated – the first cohort to finish since the program launched at Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) Toowoomba earlier this year. This program was made possible thanks to generous grant funding by Westpac.  

Explore is an Employment Pathway program for participants ready to take the next step into volunteering, work or further study in the animal care industry and beyond. Designed by experienced trainers and case workers, participants will learn about various ‘paw-some’ topics, from goal setting and addressing barriers to communicating in the workforce. 

We celebrated the launch of Explore in Toowoomba with a media event in May 2023, where our participants spoke to major news publications including, ABC, The Chronicle and Triple M radio.  

Senior Program Trainer Bianca Martin is incredibly proud of the participants for engaging in this opportunity, a ‘completely new and understandably daunting experience’. 

As a part of the program, our participants had an ‘op shop’ afternoon where they purchased interview-ready clothes. 

“As a group, we walked around the town centre, visiting a few op shops and learning about what types of clothing might be best for different interviews,” Bianca says. 

“Op shopping was also a new experience for a couple of participants.” 

Our participants also heard from people from varied careers who took ‘non-traditional pathways’ to get where they are during Guest Speaker Week. A Westpac representative spoke with our participants and provided some advice on budgeting, saving, and managing money independently.  

“They also graciously shared their work histories with us and some advice around job applications and interviews,” Bianca says. 

“We finished our program with an ‘Amazing Race’ style scavenger hunt around the shelter, finding clues to take them to their next location, which ultimately finished with a Subway platter afternoon tea.” 

An integral aspect of the program, HPHH secured work placements with our participants aligned with their career goals and aspirations. Our participants will be completing their work placements in the coming weeks.  

Tally has started her 10-week work placement at HPHH. Charleigh will also start a 6-week program on a fortnightly basis.  

“Both will learn about the volunteer role within the organisation but gain a greater understanding of how the program runs, such as session planning and delivering content,” Bianca says. 

“Both want to work in the animal care industry but not necessarily as kennel hands or animal attendants, and they are quite passionate about facilitating the positive experiences they had at HPHH for others.” 

Elektra will be completing her placement at Pawfect Pets, intending to learn more about dog grooming – which was her main goal from the start of Explore.  

Regarding individual goals, Odin was working towards his confidence when writing resumes and cover letters. He has finished Explore with a much greater understanding. 

One of Elektra’s goals was to live out of home either independently or in a shared house. She is in the process of moving house right now. 

Charleigh’s goals centred around her studies and finding a career path in the animal/vet nursing. She is completing her Cert IV in Vet Nursing next year. Bianca says: “Charleigh mentioned attending Explore has helped her to think about her values and goals and how that relates to her study.” 

Tally wanted to become more independent after completing Explore. She is now working towards getting her driver’s licence, which will also help her with future job opportunities. 

We are so proud to have been a part of these ‘paw-some’ people’s journeys at HPHH. We wish them the absolute best in their placements and future endeavours. Congratulations to Odin, Elektra, Charleigh and Tally!  

To learn more about our Explore program, check out our website and enquire with our Enrolment team. Please note that this is an invite-only program for existing HPHH participants.