Empowering Careers at the Library: A Success Story of Support and Opportunity
At Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL), we understand that a library is not just a place for books, but a community hub that plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of individuals. That’s why we actively seek partners such as the RMIT Skills & Jobs Centre (SAJC) career counselling services to work from the library. This collaboration offers essential support for local residents who face barriers to employment and directly benefits the community the library serves.
One of the core strengths of the RMIT Skills & Jobs Centre is its focus on both individual needs and community partnerships. By connecting training and skills development to real employment opportunities, it is not just helping individuals — it also strengthens the fabric of the community. These services are part of a broader initiative to help those who experience employment barriers, such as long-term unemployment, career changes, or challenges related to migration. A perfect partner for a library serving a population identified as in the top third of the state of Victoria experiencing barriers to employment!
This makes the library an ideal space for the RMIT career counselling service. As here at the library community members from all walks of life are provided easy access to resources — whether they are career changers, school students, long-term unemployed, or recent migrants.
In addition to scheduled appointments, the beauty of this service is its accessibility — another reason this is such a great service to host in a public library. People don’t need to make an appointment to receive support. The “pop-in” model allows individuals to come by when they have time, ensuring that anyone in need of guidance can easily access the help they require.
Below is a case study republished here with permission from the RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre proving the worth of this partnership and the benefit of this service being delivered in a library.
One of the most inspiring stories to come from this service is that of a 15-year-old client, whom we will call ‘J’. One day, while studying at the library, J heard an announcement about the career counselling services and decided to approach a consultant for help. He shared that his father, a recent migrant to Australia, had been struggling to find work after being retrenched from his position as a security guard. With limited English skills and few local connections, J’s father was facing serious challenges in securing new employment.
Recognizing that his father lacked a resume, J stepped in, having recently created his own resume at school. The consultant worked with J to identify his father’s key skills and helped him build a resume that highlighted his experience as a security guard. Armed with example resumes and tips for finding security-related work, J left the library with a new sense of hope for his father’s job search. He was encouraged to return with his father for further assistance in fine-tuning the resume.
Three weeks later, J came back to the library with an enthusiastic smile. Not only had he written his father’s resume, but his father had also secured a job as a Courier Driver — offering much-needed stability for the family. With this new role, J’s older brother was also able to find work, allowing the family to increase their income and better manage the rising cost of living.
But the success didn’t stop there. J had also reworked his own school resume with the consultant’s help, which led to a seasonal position at a retail outlet locally for the Christmas period. Thanks to the support offered by RMIT’s Skills & Jobs Centre at the Mill Park Library, a struggling family was able to secure three jobs in a matter of weeks.
This story is a testament to the power of community support and the tangible impact that accessible career services can have on individuals and families. At Yarra Plenty Regional Library we are grateful to be a part of this journey with the RMIT, local Council and the community — helping people navigate employment challenges, develop essential work-ready skills, and ultimately, improve their lives.
Whether you need help building a resume, preparing for interviews, or exploring job opportunities, why not check out your local library resources and services.
