Earlier this month, Youth Projects and Kangan Institute recently welcomed 19 young people for a Discovery Day at the Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows. The visit provided a hands-on introduction to two nationally accredited qualifications on offer: the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the Certificate III in School Based Education Support. Both courses will soon be delivered within Youth Projects’ own hubs, ensuring training is accessible, familiar and connected to existing support networks.

The event was led and co-designed by Program Coordinator Julian in partnership with Kangan Institute’s Community team; a deliberate approach to empower young people’s understanding of the industry and lead to informed interest before committing to enrolment, strengthening retention and creating meaningful outcomes.

The group was made up of diverse young people aged 16 to 25, who travelled from Youth Projects’ sites across the Western region including Sunshine, St Albans, Melton, Werribee, Taylors Lakes and Point Cook. They all shared a curiosity and interest in education and working with children.

“Our goal for the day was to give young people a real life insight into what working with children looks like,” said Julian “so they could make an informed and confident decision about their next step.”

The day began in the campus Immersion Gallery with a game of Split The Room, designed to surface perspectives and build confidence. Lighthearted prompts such as whether having a pet dragon would be cool gradually shifted towards more reflective statements about working with children; whether it would be fun, and whether it would be difficult. Every viewpoint was acknowledged, uncertainty was treated as valid, and curiosity was encouraged.

Simulation labs aligned to each qualification were set up to allow participants to gain a better understanding of the sector. One space mirrored an early childhood setting, complete with play areas, learning materials and a nappy changing station; the experience prompted nostalgia alongside practical reflection. The other resembled a contemporary classroom, equipped with resources to support diverse accessibility needs and inclusive practice. Current students joined the sessions to share honest accounts of study and placement, offering insight without embellishment.

“It gave me a really good insight into what I would be learning about, and I had the opportunity to ask any questions.” - Attendee

“I think there were great conversations made about the positives and challenges of both courses.” - Attendee

“It helped me understand how different work areas are set up, and how it’s operated.” - Attendee

“I enjoyed talking with the current student Emily and getting her perspective.” - Attendee

“I learned that a lot of things are much different since I’ve been in school.” - Attendee

Reminding the group that there is no such thing as a stupid question, participants engaged in exploratory discussions without fear. They were open, detailed and grounded in discussing the real expectations of the sector. Conversations extended beyond coursework to life after graduation, employment pathways and the realities of working with children and families.

“It won’t be easy, but hearing from leaders and mentors that I will be supported throughout the process helps and reassures me. I think I will enjoy it.” - Attendee

“I learned that myself as an individual can actually make a change and that I don’t need to be perfect at math.” - Attendee

Lunch, prepared by Youth Projects’ social enterprise The Little Social, allowed participants to connect informally in the student lounge and begin to picture themselves as part of a future cohort.

“I loved the whole day! Working and exploring in the classrooms, eating lunch in the cafe’ setup and walking around the campus. It was beautiful.” - Attendee

“The whole day was perfect.” - Attendee

The group returned to the Immersion Gallery for a second round of Split The Room, revisiting the earlier statements. This time, the response to whether working with children would be fun was an emphatic “Yes”; so too was the response to whether it would be difficult. The shift was not towards naivety, but towards informed commitment. When asked whether they wanted to enrol in one of the courses, the room responded with a clear and collective “Yes.”

Interest was divided evenly between the two qualifications, forming two cohorts excited to commence in the coming months. Early Childhood Education and Care will begin at the Melton hub on March 3, responding to strong workforce demand across the region; whilst School Based Education Support will follow at the Sunshine hub on April 21. Both groups will complete their training, including placement, before the end of the year.

"Our growing partnership between Youth Projects and Kangan Institute continues to expand access to education and training," said Julian. "These initiatives are strengthening accessible learning pathways, ensuring young people can step into further education and training with clarity, confidence and meaningful preparation for what comes next."

Additional Discovery Days at the Health and Community Centre of Excellence will complement internal activity programs and introduce participants to Youth Projects’ upcoming Care Start Program. The aim remains consistent: create learning pathways that are accessible and grounded in reality, so that young people step forward with clarity, confidence and a practical understanding of what comes next.

Our courses and Discovery Day activities are available for all Youth Projects Transition to Work clients. Current clients should have a chat to your Youth Coach to find out more about our education opportunities. If you’re interested in finding out more about Transition to Work, please contact us.