In week 10 of the Engage Program, participants took part in a hands on Work Experience and Job Readiness day at Worldview Foundation in Hume, giving students valuable exposure to real workplace environments, expectations, and vocational pathways.

Students commenced the day with a Yarn Up alongside Worldview Foundation staff and workers, participating in a group check in and reflection activity focused on positive changes they had started for themselves.

A number of students identified the Engage Program itself as one of the most positive things they had committed to this year, highlighting improvements in motivation, routine, confidence, and relationships.

Throughout the day, participants completed a full workplace induction before engaging in practical warehouse and resource recovery operations including dismantling IT and telecommunications equipment, sorting recyclable materials, recording recycling loads, maintaining safe workspaces, and using hand and power tools safely under supervision.

Students developed practical workplace skills including:

• Workplace health and safety awareness
• Teamwork and communication
• Professional conduct and responsibility
• Safe use of tools and equipment
• Problem solving and task management
• Workplace readiness and employability skills

Participants were fully kitted out in PPE for the day, including hi vis shirts, steel capped boots, and safety equipment, all of which students were able to keep as part of the program to support future employment and training opportunities.

The day also included one on one mentoring and resume development sessions, supporting students to explore career interests, future employment pathways, and next steps towards independence and job readiness. The Engage Program continues to create pathways into employment, training, and further vocational opportunities for young people through practical learning experiences and strong community partnerships.

Through the partnership with Worldview Foundation, students are exposed to real workplace environments, mentoring, and supported employment pathways in action.

For First Nations participants, the experience also provides insight into Worldview Foundation’s broader Intensive Holistic Employment Pathways Program and the opportunity to see culturally safe employment and mentoring pathways that may be available to them in the future.

A communal lunch shared between students, mentors, facilitators, and Worldview staff helped strengthen relationships and create a welcoming and inclusive environment across the site.

Thank you to Worldview Foundation, WV Technologies, NSW Police Youth Command, Monaro High School Chaplain David Reading, and all staff and mentors involved in supporting another successful week of the Engage Program.

This program is supported by the Australian Government under the Youth Empowerment Program.