What JobQuest Youth Programs Do
At JobQuest, we support young people to build confidence, capability, and real-world skills so they can successfully transition from school into further education, training, or employment. With over 25 years of experience working alongside schools, employers, and community organisations, our youth programs are practical, flexible, and designed to meet young people where they’re at.
We deliver a range of evidence-based programs that focus on employability skills, foundation skills, and workplace readiness—always with a strong emphasis on engagement, inclusion, and positive outcomes.
EVET Programs (External Vocational Education and Training)
JobQuest delivers EVET programs for school-based students, providing hands-on vocational learning aligned to nationally recognised training. These programs allow students to explore career pathways while completing their secondary schooling, gaining practical skills and industry exposure in a supported environment.
Our EVET programs are delivered by experienced trainers who understand both education and industry expectations, helping students build confidence, responsibility, and a clearer understanding of work and training pathways beyond school.
For more information have a look at:
https://www.isnsw.edu.au/services/vet-rto/evet
Comments from participants and stakeholders:
Jack (student) I know what skills I'm using now and can talk about myself in a good way. I feel like it will be easier to get a job because I'm more confident and know what sort of things a boss looks for. I liked the pop-up cafe and talking to the residents. That taught me how to speak to customers and how to take orders. The way the class was run was really good with hands on stuff and we were able to have fun.
Kyle (Teacher) - The students struggled to engage in the curriculum so the interaction with the residents in the aged care facility gives them an insight into what it is like to experience the workforce and how to be employable. The biggest thing they gained was confidence. The market stall experience really had an impact too. They were spruiking and adjusting their prices so they could sell quickly. They were really ingenious.
Keith - (Principal) - The outcomes these students have achieved has been exceptional. Every week they were engaged and they embraced every opportunity.
Out-of-School Foundation Skills Programs
Our out-of-school foundation skills programs support young people who are no longer engaged in mainstream schooling or who need a more flexible learning option. These programs focus on developing essential skills such as literacy, numeracy, communication, teamwork, and self-management.
Delivered in small, supportive group settings, these programs are designed to re-engage young people in learning, rebuild confidence, and prepare them for employment, traineeships, or further training.
Comments from participants and stakeholders:
Tom (student) - “School wasn’t for me, but this is really good. I’m working in a factory making frames and trusses. I love it. The JobQuest program boosted my confidence and gave me the skills I needed to get to where I am today.”
Deb - (Careers Advisor) - Tom was a really pleasant student but in class he was disengaged. I’m really pleased he was able to establish some skills and achieve something wonderful.
Jack (student) I know what skills I'm using now and can talk about myself in a good way. I feel like it will be easier to get a job because I'm more confident and know what sort of things a boss looks for.
Ready Arrive Work (RAW)
Ready Arrive Work is our employability-focused program designed to help refugee and migrant young people prepare for the expectations of the workplace. Participants develop practical skills such as workplace communication, time management, problem solving, and understanding employer expectations.
RAW programs often include real-world scenarios, employer insights, and practical activities that help young people transition more smoothly into work, work experience, or vocational training.
For more information have a look at:
Comments from participants and stakeholders:
Rani (student) At the beginning we started talking in a group and I was really shy and nervous, I wouldn’t really say much. But later on I picked up more confidence. JobQuest’s consultants really helped to build my language and my confidence.
Jihad (Jimmy) (student) - My language wasn’t that great but they helped me get a job. But now that I have those skills I can apply for other jobs. It’s wonderful. I was so stressed about how to answer interview questions but the sessions built my confidence. It was a great experience. I hoped to get accepted to uni and I did. I think I would have got there but it would have taken me a long, long time because there was no one to teach me this stuff.
Fee-for-Service Programs
JobQuest also offers customised fee-for-service programs tailored to the specific needs of schools, organisations, and community groups. These programs can include employability skills workshops, foundation skills development, transition planning, and career readiness activities.
Programs are flexible in length and delivery format and can be aligned to curriculum requirements, training packages, or organisational goals.
Comments from participants and stakeholders:
Lyn (teacher) - It’s so great to see them engage in something they care about. It gives them a reason to come to school. Programs like these allow students to build relationships with local busi
nesses, giving them a taste of what life beyond school could look like. For many, JobQuest is the highlight of their week. We see so many students who finally find their place. Some of them don’t do well in traditional classrooms, but with JobQuest they’re learning in a way that suits them. They might hate maths for example, but suddenly they’re doing math in a practical setting within a smaller group and they’ve built rapport with the JobQuest team.