ACT Program Manager - Jae Lear

Meet Jae Lear

When did you join Worldview Foundation?

September 2023

Why did you join Worldview Foundation?

I joined Worldview Foundation after seeing an opportunity to return to the kind of work I’m passionate about, working with mob and supporting people from other priority cohorts and disadvantaged backgrounds in a way that creates real, lasting impact.

At the time, I was reflecting on where I wanted to take my career next, and when I came across the role, it immediately stood out. It aligned not only with my experience in program delivery and mentoring, but also with my values and the way I believe people should be supported; helping individuals build independence, develop skills, and move into employment or further education through practical support and shared knowledge.

What drew me to Worldview was the strong focus on culturally safe, community-led practice and the genuine commitment to First Nations people. It’s an organisation that prioritises relationships, trust, and real outcomes, which is exactly the kind of environment I do my best work in. I’m not a sit-behind-a-desk type, I’m at my best working directly with people in the community, building connections and supporting meaningful change.

There’s also a real sense of connection within the team. It’s not just a workplace, it feels like a family, with strong camaraderie and shared purpose. You feel supported, valued, and accepted, and that carries through into the work we do every day.

Joining Worldview felt like the right step at the right time, and it’s given me the opportunity to do work that is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

What is your role within Worldview Foundation?

I am the Program Manager for the ACT Region at Worldview Foundation, where I lead the delivery of life and employment skills programs that support individuals facing barriers to education and employment. My role involves overseeing program operations, leading staff, and working closely with government, industry, and community partners to create meaningful employment pathways.

With over 20 years of experience across vocational education and training, employment services, and community programs, I bring a strong background in career coaching, program management, and workforce development. I am passionate about supporting First Nations people and other priority cohorts through culturally safe, trauma-informed programs that focus on long-term outcomes.

I began with Worldview as a Life and Employment Skills Trainer and Coach and continue to deliver training and mentoring alongside my leadership role. I hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, completed with the support of Worldview Foundation, and have delivered a wide range of programs including workplace readiness, career development, mental health awareness, and vocational skills training.

Through this work, I have:

• Trained and mentored over 200+ participants
• Supported more than 100+ people into employment, apprenticeships, or further training
• Delivered over 150+ industry-recognised certifications
• Contributed to strong program outcomes, including high completion rates and participant satisfaction
• Supported programs that have achieved significant reductions in recidivism

I have also contributed to the delivery of the Woden–Monaro Highway Civil Taster Program, a cross-sector initiative recognised with both the ACT Industry Collaboration Award (2025) and Australian Training Awards – Silver (National, 2025). This program created culturally safe training environments and real employment pathways for First Nations participants and individuals connected to the justice system.

My qualifications include a Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), multiple Diplomas across Community Services, Business, and Human Resources, and ongoing professional development in coaching, mentoring, cultural competence, and leadership. I am committed to continuous learning and delivering high-quality, practical programs that create lasting impact.

My focus is on empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and building pathways that support long-term employment and personal growth.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is that I get to be myself. I don’t have to put on a “work mask” I can show up authentically, build real connections, and work in a way that feels natural to me.

The culture at Worldview is a big part of that. It’s not just a workplace it feels like a family. There’s genuine camaraderie and brotherhood within the team, and you feel supported, valued, and backed in everything you do.

I also have the flexibility and trust to run programs in my own style. There’s no micromanagement just a shared focus on getting the best outcomes for participants and doing the work properly.

But if I’m being honest, one of the best parts of the job is what the work actually looks like day to day.

One day I might be in the office or delivering training or mentoring, and the next I’m out in the field co-facilitating and participating in activities like indoor bouldering, high ropes, giant ladders, rock climbing, abseiling, paintball, go karting, over water obstacle courses, hiking or team sports and challenges. We’re often out in some incredible locations, places people would normally take time off to go and experience.

We even get opportunities to explore and trial new activities and venues, like ATV off roading through mud, hills, and some unreal scenery, which was part of looking at future program options, but still a pretty good day at work.

It keeps the work exciting, but more importantly, it creates real impact. You see participants build confidence, push past their limits, and achieve things they didn’t think were possible, all while actually enjoying the process.

At the end of the day, I get to do meaningful work, in an environment that feels like home, while helping people create real pathways into employment and education, and having a bit of fun along the way.