Zero Young first heard about the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program through Workskills, and decided to join because they wanted to build their maths and digital confidence. They especially wanted to feel more capable handling money at work, something they’d always found challenging. From the moment Zero walked into the classroom, they noticed how different it felt from past learning environments. It was calm, relaxed, and never overwhelming – “not like school,” as Zero describes it.
At the beginning, Zero wasn’t entirely sure what specific areas they needed to focus on. With patience and support from their trainers, they gradually identified the skills that would make the biggest difference. Over time, they strengthened their counting, multiplication and subtraction abilities. A key breakthrough came when column maths finally made sense to them—something they describe as the moment it all “clicked.” These improvements quickly made life easier, especially at work, where Zero now feels much more confident managing money.
Zero speaks very highly of the people who supported them along the way, especially Craig and Gee. Their patience, willingness to listen, and genuine interest in understanding how Zero thinks helped create an environment where learning felt possible. Zero says the support they received made a huge difference to their confidence and motivation.
The program didn’t just help Zero build practical skills—it opened new pathways. With encouragement from Craig, they enrolled in the University Preparation Program at the University of Tasmania, allowing them to pursue something they’re passionate about: writing. Taking this step has helped Zero see new possibilities for their future, something they didn’t feel as strongly before joining the program.
Reflecting on their journey, Zero says they’ve changed in a meaningful way. In their words, they’re now “less convinced that I’m stupid.” That shift in self-belief has been just as important as the academic progress. When asked what they’d say to someone considering the SEE Program, Zero’s advice is simple: “Be patient with yourself and keep practising. It’s not like school.”
Zero’s story is a reminder that with the right environment and support, learning can become more than building skills—it can rebuild confidence, open new doors, and help someone see themselves differently.