Did you know the Global Skills team is made up of more than 155 staff?

We are incredibly proud of our diverse team of values-aligned people and invite you to meet them in our Take 5 series.

This week, we took 5 minutes out of Senior Community Engagement Consultant Kirsten Ashbrooke’s busy day and asked her a few questions to help you get to know her.

Kirsten works across Global Skills’ Workforce Australia Transition to Work services in Lake Haven, Gosford, Wyong and The Entrance. She is a much-valued part of our team.

Q. What do you do at Global Skills?
A. I am the Senior Community Engagement Consultant for our Transition to Work program. Our TtW program supports young people aged 15-24. In my role, I work with community organisations and schools across the Central Coast region to support young people into work and education opportunities. I work very closely with other local youth services to provide holistic support to our young people.

Q. What do you enjoy about the work you do?
A. Watching young people succeed. My greatest joy is seeing them build their skills and confidence, watching them start to believe in themselves and their abilities. For me, it’s not just about the end goal but about the small successes on the way.

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. I actually wanted to be a professional dancer. I worked in casual jobs when I was younger, in Hospitality and Retail, and knew I wanted to be in a role where I was able to work with people and help the community. I studied and started working in Youth Services and that’s where my passion lies now. I have Cert IV quals in Community Services and Youth Work and am currently studying a BA Social Science (Child & Community).

Q. What’s a typical work day like for you?
A. Every day is different. I visit schools, meet with young people and their families, liaise with employers around opportunities for our young people and attend youth interagency meetings. I also co-ordinate courses and other youth focused programs to help our young people on their employment journey.

Q. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
A. My best skills include; my ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and other people in the community, my ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for our young people and my ability to build rapport with participants. I also have excellent time management skills, a high attention to detail, the ability to multitask and great problem-solving skills.

Q. What have you learnt in previous jobs and your past experience that helps you in your current job?
A. I think my experience in different industries and having exposure to people from different backgrounds and circumstances has allowed me to be ready to work in a position where every day is about helping people.

Q. Best thing about being part of the Global Skills Team?  
A. Definitely, the people. I love collaborating with my colleagues and helping to create a fun place to work. I believe the more fun we have, the more fun our young people have when they come in. Overall, I think that creates a greater reward for everyone.