Industry mentors changing the lives of young vulnerable Australians

Young vulnerable Australians who are doing it tough in a crowded and volatile job market will find solace through the new headspace Digital Industry Mentor Service.

 

headspace is excited to be partnering with corporates from across Australia to support young people aged 17-24 who will be paired with an experienced career professional in their chosen industry field.

 

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said partnering with corporates in different industries enables young people to access personalised, one-on-one industry career advice.

 

“Across headspace almost one third of young people aged 17-24 accessing services are disengaged with work, which in-turn can significantly impact their mental health. Research shows that work provides positive and protective factors to a young person’s overall wellbeing,” Mr Trethowan said.

 

“For many young Australians, particularly those who may be experiencing mental health issues or those living outside of the major cities, finding and keeping work can be extremely challenging.

 

“Our service is focused on empowering and developing young people to be in control of their future work – whatever that might look like in the changing market.”

 

Staff across a number of corporates have been provided the opportunity to become mentors, and create an important stepping stone for a young person to develop life-long work-related skills and confidence.

 

The service also provides a two-way learning opportunity for both the mentee and mentor. Staff are trained in youth mental health first aid, which can be easily implemented in the workplace to support colleagues, and their family and friends.

 

Corporates participating in the service include: Viva Energy Australia, NBN.Co, Kmart, FunLab (Holey Moley, Strike Bowling Bar and Sky Zone) and Jellis Craig (Victorian Real Estate).

 

The mentor service is all online, embedding vital support into regional and rural communities across Australia that are often unable to access traditional career services – an engineer based in Sydney, NSW can mentor a young person based in Mount Gambier, SA.

 

Brooke, 19, one of the new mentees engaged in the service says she is excited to work with her mentor.

“I became interested in the service because I heard the mentors would be giving great insight into what it’s like to be in a particular industry or career. At this point in my life I need a bit more guidance and understanding of what would be expected of me and what career could suit me,” she said.

“What I hope to take away from the experience is information that will give me more clarity for my future so I can make wiser decisions and do what’s best for me. I’m also hoping I become more confident in my career choices.”

 

You can find more information about the service on the headspace website, just search ‘digital industry mentoring service’. The service is an Empowering Youth Initiative, funded by the Department of Employment.

 

If you, or someone you know is going through a tough time you can locate your nearest headspace centre at headspace.org.au. Or if you want to speak to someone online or over the phone you can reach out to the team at eheadspace.org.au.