There’s a tired narrative out there that young people don’t want to work. That they’re too lazy, too distracted, or too entitled to chase down a job. But earlier this month, we saw the complete opposite and we had a line out the door to prove it.

At 11am, we opened the doors to the Youth Projects Employment Expo in partnership with Brimbank Council at the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine. The second we finished our setup; the venue was already buzzing. Over 136 young people came through the space, many already part of Youth Projects programs, but just as many new faces, eager to explore what’s possible.

This wasn’t your typical jobs expo. Yes, there were employers from across Melbourne’s west. There were real conversations about future jobs, career pathways and upskilling opportunities. But we also brought the energy. The event was packed with fun interactive experiences, including VR headsets to mimic job interviews, a photobooth with a TikTok challenge wall, epic prizes and of course, free food!

Employers from different industries (including hospitality, trades and apprenticeships, community care, training and logistics and many more) were ready and waiting to connect with young people about real job opportunities. These are employers we know and trust, many of whom have hired from Youth Projects time and time again. They keep coming back because they know the energy, reliability and potential our young people bring to the workplace. And it goes both ways. We trust these employers too. They don’t just offer jobs, but supportive and inclusive environments that make excellent first steps in the workforce. Places where young people can build confidence, learn the ropes and take pride in what they do.

The expo created the perfect space for authentic conversations, real connections, and for many attendees, the first spark of what could become a life-changing opportunity.

As of June 2025, Australia’s youth unemployment is at 10.4% - that’s more than double the national average. And it’s even tougher for young people who face barriers like mental health challenges, homelessness or learning disabilities.

Breaking into the workforce is tough, especially when you’re starting without privileges others take for granted. It’s hard to impress in a job interview when you haven’t eaten, and impossible to put food on the table when no one will give you a chance. For many young people, the issue isn’t motivation, it’s simply not being given a fair go.

The Transition to Work program at Youth Projects is all about making that “next step” achievable and sustainable. We work with early school leavers and unemployed young people to build the skills, confidence and experience they need to land a job or re-engage in education.

Here’s what we offer:

• Individualised support to find a career in an industry that’s right
• Build not just job-ready skills, but also a sense of community and self-confidence.
• Help understanding what employers actually want
• Connections to free local education, training and real jobs
• Access to work experience opportunities
• Support from our Youth Outreach team with things like mental health, housing, alcohol and drug support and heaps more.

And every young person gets matched with their own Youth Coach, who walks alongside them to help identify strengths, set goals and back themselves into something bigger.

We’ve helped young people find jobs in retail, hospitality, trades, admin, transport, health and so much more.

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