The Break Through Youth Employment Mentoring program has seen some spectacular outcomes achieved by the young people participating in the program.   Young people referred from Job Services Australia providers (formerly Job Network), in particular, embraced the extra support and worked cooperatively with a mentor to achieve their goals.

78.6% of JSA participants achieved an employment outcome.  Employment outcomes included: full-time, casual, part- time, contract, work experience and volunteering positions.  The areas in which the young people found employment were quite varied; including: alcohol/drug counseling, apprenticeships/traineeships, automotive, business administration, childcare, healthcare, hospitality, labouring, retail, sports/recreation and warehousing/factory/logistics.

As part of their employment plans, many young people opted to engage in short RTO run courses or enroll in longer term TAFE accredited certificate courses.

50% of JSA participants achieved an education outcome.   Areas of study included: alcohol and drug counseling, automotive, childcare, IT, logistics and RSA/RCG.

These outcomes brought about significant changes to the lives of the young people and those closest to them; however, these outcomes would not have been possible without first addressing the underlying issues/barriers preventing the young people from entering the workforce.   For many, they experienced powerful changes in their own behaviour, attitudes and skills sets.  Mentees had self professed improvements in self-confidence/self-esteem, awareness of strengths/capabilities and how to overcome limitations, communication skills (verbal; in person and via phone, written), organisational skills (planning ahead and for the future), time management skills, understanding of the workforce and expectations, job searching and application submitting, hygiene, knowledge of services and where to ask for help, motivation and/or role modeling.

100% of JSA participants identified one or more of these personal development outcomes.

Tracy Dunn, the Break Through Coordinator, has said: ‘the most rewarding outcomes are those that see the young person’s confidence improve and to see the young people realize their potential and want to move forward into a career.  The overall positive effect that mentoring can have on the young person and the people closest to them is tremendous’.