Youth career support in Regional NSW – we’re here to help.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Skillset’s Youth Connect program gives you free mentoring and real support to help you build confidence, make a plan, and take action.
About Skillset Youth Connect
If you’re 15–21 and feeling stuck, out of school, out of work, living in the Central West, Orana and Far West regions of NSW, then Skillset Youth Connect is for you. No judgement. No pressure. Just a clear path forward.
Why consider Skillset Youth Connect?
It’s 100% free.
We help you reconnect with education, training, or employment.
We can help you, whether you’ve finished school, left early, or just need a fresh start.
We help support you into apprenticeships, traineeships, further study, or local jobs.
Our process
With experienced career consultants, we specialise in helping young people establish education and employment goals.
1
Meet your mentor
2
Set goals together
3
Get Support to start work or study
Real people. Real outcomes.
When you feel stuck, it’s easy to think nothing will change. These young people prove that with the right support, you can take control and create a future you’re proud of.
From stuck to welding apprentice
Ian, 16, lives on a farm near Parkes. After joining Youth Connect, he updated his resume, polished his Seek profile, explored training options, and applied for a local welding apprenticeship. Within weeks, Ian landed an interview and got the job on the spot! He called straight after to share his excitement.
I felt like a ghost
Kyle wanted a construction apprenticeship but had no ID, no bank account, no Medicare card. For 18 months, he felt invisible. After joining Youth Connect, he got his birth certificate, opened accounts, booked his White Card course, passed his learner’s test, and secured work experience. Today, Kyle is completing a Certificate II in Construction and finally feels seen.
Breaking barriers in Lightning Ridge
Living remotely and facing financial barriers, Levi had no license and few pathways into work. After joining Youth Connect, reimbursable expenses paid for his driving test, supported two work experience placements, and funded a lifesaving course. His confidence soared—so much so that he ran for School Captain and won.
A safer path forward
Severe bullying crushed Krystal’s confidence. After joining Youth Connect, the program supported her to transition out of that environment, enrol in a Year 10 equivalent course at TAFE, and rebuild her confidence. Today, she’s thriving, focused on her education and future instead of fear.
“I just want to say a big thankyou for helping my son secure an apprenticeship. He absolutely loves what he is doing!!! Without your help and guidance I doubt he would have had the confidence to do anything. So a very, very big thankyou from me.”
“Keep up the great work you are doing to support so many in their transition to a better life. Skillset’s new statement – ‘Enter Skillset and exit with a brighter future!’ Well done and thanks.”
Featured resources & insights
Free templates, interview tips, and guides to help you show up confident and job-ready.
March 18, 2026
How to answer common job interview questions
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being prepared is the key to success.
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Communicating your Skills & attributes
Communicating your skills and attributes is important because it allows others to understand the value you bring to the table.
Funded to support you
Funded by the NSW Department of Education through the Get Back in the Game Program.
