Strive for Success
Strive For Success participant Nakyah with her Job Coach Sheree White
The Strive for Success Youth Job Skills Training and Employment Program is delivered by Homebase Youth Services with the generous support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation. It is helping young people on the NSW Mid North Coast and Illawarra re-engage with education, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward long-term employment.
Our year one evaluation proved this program is making a mark:
These exceptional outcomes show the program’s real potential to scale and tackle Australia’s youth unemployment crisis. They are reflected in the experiences of young people like Ashlyn and Charley, whose journeys demonstrate the difference Strive for Success can make.
Ashlyn’s Story – Mid North Coast
On the Mid North Coast, 16-year-old Ashlyn’s story shows the program’s impact in action. Despite her eagerness to succeed in Year 10, Ashlyn struggled with anxiety and other mental health challenges. Seeking different options, she attended a TAFE career expo, where she met Jobs Coach Sheree White.
Sheree recalls: “At the expo, Ashlyn stayed back to chat and expressed interest in joining, saying she loved that we understood her, listened, and genuinely cared about her interests, goals and the barriers she faced.”
With Sheree’s weekly support, Ashlyn enrolled in TAFE Year 10, completed her coursework early, and then graduated with a Certificate III in Beauty. She soon set her sights on a full-time position at Westpac Bank – and, with her Job Coach’s guidance, secured the role within a week.
Charley’s Story – Illawarra
In the Illawarra, 23-year-old Charley’s story shows the program’s impact in action. After experiencing an episode of psychosis and spending three years in recovery, Charley met Zoe Matthews, a Strive for Success Jobs Coach.
“When we first partnered up, I was still recovering,” Charley said. “Zoe discussed opportunities — work, TAFE, short courses — that spoke to me as a person with a history of mental health troubles. She’s always encouraged a healthy workload, which inspired me to seek part-time work.”
With Zoe’s support and a confidence boost from a Dress for Success styling session, Charley secured work at a local newsagent. “Thanks to Zoe and Strive for Success, I’ve recently obtained a job!”
Lisa Berry, General Manager of Community Services, says these results and stories reflect both the team’s commitment and their relationships with young people. “We listen to what they need, empower them to take the lead, and walk alongside them as they work towards their goals.”
“We believed there had to be a better way to get young people into work – and we’ve proven there is. What we’ve built has the potential to grow and challenge the standard approaches across the country.”
LISA BERRY General Manager Community Services
