Work it Out

The Work It Out program supports young people aged 15 to 21 in the Richmond-Tweed, Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast and Bellingen regions who are not currently engaged with education, training, or employment.

Work it Out will help you find a pathway and figure out your next step – whether it’s getting into a training course, reconnecting to education, finding employment, or landing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

We can also support you to address any challenges that might be in the way of you pursuing your chosen pathway.

Assistance is tailored to the individual based on a career and transition plan we create together. Once you start on a pathway, we will continue to support you for up to 6 months to ensure you have what you need to keep going.

Activities

  • Career and transition planning
  • Resume preparation
  • Securing ID
  • Referral to specialist support including accommodation, health, mental health, and disability
  • Work readiness training
  • Support getting your driver’s licence

To speak to someone about the program and find out if it might be right for you, ring 1300 183 352 or contact info@connectnr.com

Work It Out - School Referral Pathway

Work It Out is also available for a limited number of young people from participating high schools who are still enrolled but need additional support to stay engaged or find an alternative pathway. The only difference in this program is that you can get support while you’re still at school.

Participating schools include:

  • Tweed River
  • Murwillumbah High
  • Mullumbimby High
  • Wollumbin High
  • Ballina Coast High
  • Alstonville High
  • Maclean High
  • Grafton High
  • South Grafton
  • Woolgoolga High
  • Coffs Harbour High School
  • Toormina High School

This program represents a holistic approach to supporting students by systematically addressing any barriers or challenges you may face when it comes to engaging with school, or transitioning successfully to work or training. Students work with a mentor to co-design a transition plan that identifies assistance and options for moving forward. That means everything from helping students identify career options to resume preparation, job search tips and even things like help with securing learner’s permits, bank accounts and tax file numbers. In some instances, the support can include advocacy and liaison with third parties to tackle homelessness, family challenges, mental health, or any other barrier you may be facing.

Connect School Leaver Guide – download here

The Connect School Leaver Guide is designed to support you, to take your next step with confidence. It contains quality information and resources that help a young person navigate their post school options. It provides details on all the different aspects of life including education, training, and work options. The Connect School Leaver Guide also contains helpful links and information about the steps to independence, such as enrolling on the electoral roll. As you go through the information, if you have any questions or would like more information, contact Connect Northern Rivers 1300 183 352.

Work It Out is proudly funded by the NSW Department of Education and Training under the Get Back in the Game program.

Other programme providers in NSW

Enterprise Plus covers the Capital and South Coast region

Skillset covers the Central West, Far West and Orana region

Mid Coast Connect covers the Mid North Coast region

The Skill Engineer covers the Central Coast

Career Links covers the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley region

Careers Network covers the New England and North West region

Yourtown covers the Outer West, Blue Mountains, Western and South Western Sydney region

Compact covers the Riverina region

"The program helped me transition from out of high school and into courses that

changed my life for the better"

- Eve

Work it Out participant