From a young age, Christian has had one clear ambition: “to drive big freight trains across Australia.” His passion for railways is undeniable, he has an impressive knowledge of trains and lights up when talking about anything rail-related. But like many young people on the edge of finishing school, he wasn’t sure of the exact steps to turn his dream into reality.
Christian began working with yourtown’s Inclusive Pathways to Employment (IPE) pilot just before graduating high school. The Inclusive Pathways to Employment (IPE) Pilot is an NCED initiative in partnership with four Transition to Work providers across the country. We are investigating what it takes for mainstream youth employment services to support young people with disability to pursue their interests, aspirations, and goals, and to be socially and economically included in their communities.
While school helped him understand what’s expected once you have a job, it was his experience in IPE that outlined the process of how to get a job. With the support of his employment coach, Candy, Christian gained knowledge on how to navigate the different pathways that could lead to his dream career.
A key part of Christian’s journey has been career exploration, understanding that a passion for trains can open up a world of exciting opportunities. A standout moment was when Christian and Candy attended the Railway Careers Expo together. Christian was thrilled to bring Candy into his world of trains. Together, they explored the many roles in the rail sector and had meaningful conversations with Queensland Rail’s Diversity and Inclusion team. Christian learned exactly what it takes to become a train driver, including the key qualifications and experience required, insights that helped shape his next steps.
Right now, Christian is working on one of those steps: “getting his manual driver’s license”, a crucial requirement for train driving. With Candy’s support, he accessed free driving lessons and continues to clock up hours behind the wheel with his Pop.
Christian’s curiosity and love for hands-on learning extend beyond trains. He’s currently exploring volunteer opportunities at the Maritime Museum, where he recently completed a tour and discovered a wide range of roles. Whether it’s learning to maintain exhibits, share the story of a historical boat, or help in the gift shop (his top pick!), Christian sees this as a great way to build experience while doing something he enjoys. His hobby of building a model Titanic and love for maritime history makes this a perfect fit.
Through IPE, Christian has also been building essential life skills that support his growing independence. He’s enjoying learning how to cook, confidently using public transport, and developing money management skills, each one helping him take more control of his future, both in and out of the workplace.
Christian’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early career exploration and the value of real-world experiences. While his dream is to drive trains, his journey so far has shown him that his passions can lead to many meaningful opportunities. By starting early, staying curious, and embracing every experience, Christian is confidently building the future he’s always dreamed of and discovering new interests along the way.
