From Struggling with Maths to Landing Her Dream Job: Lakoda's SEE Program Success Story

Lakoda is a self-confessed gamer and craft enthusiast, so when she landed casual roles at both EB Games and Spotlight, it was two dream jobs! But six months ago, Lakoda wouldn't have felt ready to walk into either store to apply. 

What Is the SEE Program? 

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is designed to help participants build the foundational skills — including literacy and numeracy — they need to confidently enter the workforce. For Lakoda, that meant tackling a longstanding challenge with maths. 

How the SEE Program Helped Lakoda With Maths 

Maths had always been a sticking point for Lakoda, and it was holding her back from applying for the kinds of jobs she wanted. Rather than starting with generic worksheets, her SEE trainer took a different approach: using mnemonic devices to help Lakoda remember the order and purpose of steps in mathematical procedures. 

It's a small shift in teaching style, but it made a big difference. Instead of memorising formulas in the abstract, Lakoda had a way to anchor each step of a calculation — something she could recall under pressure, whether in a classroom exercise or, later, on the shop floor. 

The Classroom Made the Difference 

Beyond the maths itself, Lakoda points to the in-person classroom experience as a turning point in her confidence. 

"Being in the classroom with other students who support and encourage each other gave me the confidence to go out and apply for work." 

For many SEE participants, the peer support is important. Building skills alongside people facing similar challenges turns an individual struggle into a shared one. 

From the Classroom to Casual Employment 

Lakoda has since secured casual employment, which she's hoping will grow into something more permanent. She's using exactly what she learned in the SEE Program, every shift. 

"The job involves a lot of measuring, calculating quantities and applying discounts." 

The maths she once found intimidating is now a tool she reaches for daily — whether she's measuring out craft materials at Spotlight or working out pricing and discounts at the till. And speaking of discounts: Lakoda's now enjoying the very real perk of a staff discount at both of her jobs. 

A Story Built on Real Skills, Real Support, Real Outcomes 

Lakoda's journey — from finding maths overwhelming to using it confidently in two jobs she loves — is a clear example of what the SEE Program sets out to do: meet people where they are, build the skills that matter, and give them the confidence to take the next step. 

If you're considering the SEE Program for yourself or someone you support, Lakoda's story is proof of what's possible when the right teaching approach meets the right support network. 

The SEE Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Workplace Relations and delivered by Max Solutions RTO 0667