Confidence, Skills, and a Bright Future: Zaki’s Fair Shot Story

Graduating from a program like Fair Shot is a milestone, and for Zaki, it was nothing short of transformative. “It felt amazing,” he recalls. “It felt like I was all grown up, like I could move on and do anything! Like I was in charge of my life, the boss of my own destiny.

Fair Shot equips young adults with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in the workplace. For Zaki, the program wasn’t just about learning tasks - it was about building self-assurance, independence, and communication skills. He especially valued the chance to meet employers and practice speaking about himself and the program. One memorable experience was chatting with an employer at the café:

“I felt really confident about speaking up about Fair Shot and talking about what Fair Shot is and the Supported Internship,” he shares.

These experiences give graduates a head start in understanding workplace expectations and navigating professional interactions

Visiting his new workplace for the first time was an exciting adventure. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was so good!” Zaki says. Soon after, he received a job offer: a moment of pure joy.

“I was over the moon! I started running down my Grandma’s road because I was so happy. I phoned up my family and I couldn’t wait to tell them!”

At his new role, Zaki will be working back of house in the staff canteen, keeping things running smoothly while making new friends. He’s buzzing with excitement: “I can’t wait to get a job coach and start. My new manager is really nice.”

Zaki’s journey is a shining example of how Fair Shot helps young people develop essential skills; confidence, communication, responsibility, and independence, that set them up for employment success. For new learners starting in September, his story is a reminder that with the right support and determination, stepping into the world of work can be exciting, achievable, and full of opportunities.