Boxing helped motivate them in a Get Ahead boot camp in St Marys last week.

The four-day workshop helps job seekers improve their self-respect, communication skills, grooming and etiquette.

They also receive interview tips.

Paula Majstorovic created the boot camp run for job seekers aged 16-24.

It is registered at IPC Employment agencies and has a job placement rate of up to 80 per cent.

Each day starts with a healthy breakfast fizzy and energy drinks are banned.

Mrs Majstorovic said she was amazed by the difference in the St Marys participants, many of whom had reluctantly turned up on day one because they risked losing the dole if they did not arrive.

``By day three, they were waiting for us at the door, wanting to help cook breakfast,'' she said.

``Their case manager couldn't believe they were the same people.''

Mrs Majstorovic will remain in touch with the job seekers, who have set goals for the next three, six and nine months.

``I grew up in St Marys and could have ended up like one of them sitting here,'' she said.

``It gives me a proud sense of achievement to make them see the world through different eyes.''

One of the highlights of the boot camp was a training session and motivational pep-talk from three-time heavyweight boxing champion Bob Mirovic.

Mrs Majstorovic plans to conduct more boot camps in St Marys and hopes to implement the program in high schools.

Colyton teenager Ebony Yardley said the course built-up her self-esteem.