With the Higher School Certificate exams just around the corner, City of Canterbury Bankstown Council is supporting young people to take the first leap into the world of employment with its first ever Youth Futures event.
Youth Futures is a series of FREE and low-cost workshops aimed at ensuring 15–24-year-olds are equipped with the right information, skills, confidence, and support required when moving from school or higher education into employment.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 28% of 15-24-year-old Australians are currently occupied with full time work, compared to 26% in 2022.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor, Bilal El-Hayek said Youth Futures aims to continue increasing these figures by providing an opportunity for young people around Canterbury-Bankstown to get a kick start on their careers.
“It can be tricky for young people to try and navigate the time between school and entering the workforce,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“With the HSC exams around the corner, now is the perfect opportunity for kids who are getting ready to leave their schooling days behind them to take initiative, increase their skills and boost their employability.”
Australian School of Entrepreneurship Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator, Leila Varga says the best advice for any young person moving into employment is to simply discover what they are good at.
“I would say that figuring out your strengths and weaknesses through trial and error is the key,” she said.
“Saying yes to many opportunities and experiencing different work environments allows you to reflect on these moments and understand how you would like to enter the workforce.”
After the success of Ms Varga’s Youth Future seminar at the Youth Futures: finding direction for your future workshop last week, she is encouraging more young people to get involved in the other events being held as part of the program.
“In workshops and seminars, you cover critical life skills that aren’t otherwise taught in the workforce,” she said.
“Some would say it is expected to have certain life skills prior to entering the workforce which can be found through attending seminars and workshops.”
She also agreed with Mayor El-Hayek that taking the initiative to kick start your career can be daunting, but it is an important step to take.
“I’d like to say that the hardest part of attending is showing up – like with most things in life. You never know what an opportunity like a workshop can lead to,” she said.
“Be curious and be excited to meet new people, learn interesting things and understand yourself on a deeper level.”
Workshops and activities are being held from now until Wednesday 9 July 2025. The program is opened for people aged 15-24 years old who live or study in Canterbury-Bankstown.
Find out more or register for a workshop at cb.city/YouthFutures.
