Frequently Asked Questions
Employ Different
There is a cost to partner with us, but as a not-for-profit social enterprise, we keep fees as low as possible. Costs vary depending on the type of support your organisation needs. To find out what partnering with Y Careers could look like for you, get in touch at [email protected].
Getting started is simple and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Interested in hiring a trainee? Contact our national Business Development Manager, Michael Oosterwyk at [email protected] or email [email protected]
Have recruitment or partnership inquiries?
Email [email protected]Not sure where to begin?
Contact us 1300 198 701 and we’ll connect you with the right person.
Whether you're ready to bring on a trainee or just want to explore what’s possible, we’ll help you make it happen.
Y Careers Coaches are the heart of our support model. They work closely with each trainee and their supervisor to:
- Build confidence and workplace readiness
- Set personalised goals and career pathways
- Provide regular check-ins and mentoring
- Resolve any issues that come up during placement
- Keep employers informed and supported throughout
For employers, this means fewer HR pressures, stronger engagement and better outcomes. Your coach is your go to contact, helping your trainee succeed and fully supporting you along the way.
We meet young people where they are and help them see what’s possible. We connect with young people through digital platforms and targeted outreach. Through our large net They apply via our jobs board and we work closely with them to ensure they’re ready, motivated and aligned with your needs. Through screening and support, we match you with the right candidate!
Hex for young people
You’ll be guided by a powerhouse group of innovators and leaders:
- Nicole Blair (Ex-Bupa, Pancare) – marketing and innovation expert
- Jesse Liddelow (Bupa Blua Health) – digital product and tech transformation
- Martin Nguyen – founder, health entrepreneur, changemaker
- Jeanette Cheah – award-winning CEO of HEX and startup leader
- Neala Fulia – social entrepreneur and founder of More Good Days
- Dr. Kyle Turner – global health expert and investment manager at Ochre Ventures
Together, they’ll challenge your thinking, sharpen your skills, and help you shape ideas that matter.
It’s simple. Speak to your employer, register your interest and then if eligible you will be asked to submit 5 questions telling us about yourself and why you’re interested in the program.
You’ll graduate with new skills, clarity on your career direction, and a network of innovators and leaders. You’ll also join a vibrant alumni community with ongoing access to industry opportunities, mentorship and future programs. And yes, you’ll walk away with university credit to support your academic or professional journey.
While this is an unpaid program, you'll gain incredible value:
- Hands-on experience
- Personal mentorship from industry leaders
- A real-world project to add to your portfolio
- Academic credit from the University of Sydney
- Career connections and pathways that could open new doors.
The program runs for 12 weeks (part-time) and is designed to flex around your job, study, or other commitments. It includes online workshops, mentorship, self-directed teamwork, and in-person events.
You’ll tackle real-world challenges from partner organisations or your own workplace — projects with purpose, focused on innovation, health, education and community impact. You’ll collaborate in teams to design solutions that make a real difference in your workplace and beyond.
Not at all! You don’t need a business idea or prior experience. What matters most is your curiosity, passion to learn and desire to make an impact.
Yep, there’s a cost—$2,500 + GST. But don’t stress! Chat to your employer about covering it through their learning and development budget. Since the program helps you grow and bring new skills back to work, it’s a win-win for them too.
The program is open to young people aged 18–26, currently working in the education and care sectors – early learning, aged care or disability support. If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to grow, this program is for you.
Hex employers
This is more than just a learning experience - it’s a strategic investment in your organisation’s future. You'll foster a culture of innovation, build entrepreneurial mindsets, and upskill high-potential staff. It's a signal to your team (and the sector) that you're a future-focused employer of choice, all while improving retention and leadership development.
This program is a partnership between HEX, a global leader in innovation education, and Y Careers, focused on developing next-gen talent in the care and education sectors.
In-person sessions will be held in a location that best suits where the majority of the cohort are based. This will be confirmed once participant locations are finalised.
No, travel and accommodation costs are not included in the program fee. If participants are located in a different state from where the in-person events are delivered, these additional expenses will need to be covered by the participant or their employer.
The cost to participate in the Possibl+ program is $2,500 per employee (normally valued at $5,000). This subsidised rate covers all program content, mentoring, and support.
Your commitment includes registering a young person and attending the final pitch showcase. It’s a low-lift, high-impact opportunity. We also recommend nominating an internal sponsor (ideally a senior executive) to champion the program within your organisation.
Employers
- For hiring a trainee - [email protected] or [email protected]
- For recruitment inquiries - [email protected]
- For specific questions related to an existing trainee – Reach out to your assigned Career Coach
For all other queries, contact us.
Yes, this will vary by care sector type.
- Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) – employed for 18 months
- Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) – employed for 12 months
- Aged Care and Disability – employed for 12 months
This will be a collaborative process with the Y Careers Recruitment Team. The team will work with you to establish your needs and will facilitate tailored recruitment activities to source suitable candidates for your review.
Your trainee’s progress will be monitored by a team consisting of their Y Careers Career Coach, Trainer, and Employer Partner Supervisor.
As an Employer Partner, your health and safety requirements include (but are not limited to):
- Provide a safe and supportive working environment to your trainee(s) at all times.
- Ensure compliance and adherence to WHS legislation and other state and federal regulatory requirements.
- Provide ongoing health and safety training and education to your trainee(s).
- Report any notifiable incidents (serious work-related injuries, illnesses and dangerous incidents), and any near misses to your dedicated Y Careers Coach as soon as practicably possible.
- Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to your trainee(s).
As a registered charity and not-for-profit, Y Careers charge Employer Partners an hourly rate for each trainee, which includes a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Job advertising and recruitment
- Candidate screening and interview coordination
- Career Coach mentoring fees
- Wages
- Superannuation
- Annual leave
- Personal Leave
- Public holiday Leave
- Education fees
- Workers' compensation
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Pre-employment checks (including but not limited to): National Police Check, Working With Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check)
- Vaccinations (including but not limited to): Flu, COVID-19
Please contact Paul Konig, Executive Manager, Service Deliver at michael.oosterwyk@ycareers.org.au for the costs associated with employing a Trainee.
Y Careers is the trainee’s legal employer; however, the trainee will be “hosted” at your place of business and will work for you.
Provide a safe and supportive environment for your trainee(s).
- Assign an appropriate and adequately qualified supervisor who should provide guidance, feedback and support to help the trainee(s) to learn and develop new skills in the workplace.
- Release your trainee(s) from their work environment to attend and complete their regular training requirements.
- Provide regular feedback and performance evaluations to the trainee(s), offering constructive criticism and guidance for improvement.
- Attend and provide feedback at monitoring visits with the trainee(s) and Y Careers Coach
- Ensure the well-being, safety, and success of all trainee (s) at all times.
- See below - Work, Health and Safety requirements.
Trainees
We want to keep you involved with all things Y Careers. We will host networking and alumni events to connect all our past and present trainees whilst also sharing any career opportunities that may arise within our team.
Y Careers does not guarantee you a job on completion of your traineeship, however, we will work closely with you to discuss your options post traineeship, including a second traineeship or further education.
Your tasks will vary depending on the placement you choose but could include:
- Assist in planning and executing engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development.
- Support and interact with children, creating a safe and stimulating environment.
- Provide feedback on progress and track developmental milestones.
- Help with daily activities such as shopping, running errands, and food preparation.
- Help with personal care tasks.
- Organise and participate in social activities and outings.
- Provide companionship, fostering meaningful relationships.
- Promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
- Administrative duties, such as record-keeping and ensuring compliance with documentation.
Y Careers is your legal employer and will pay your salary, as well as provide a range of tailored supports and coordinate your work placement and training program. You will be ‘hosted’ to a partner organisation within the care industry which could include Disability, Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care or Out of School Hours Care.
Our current program is funded to deliver a young person aged between 18 and 25.
As a Y Careers trainee, you will receive:
- Personalised employment support
- Job matching and placement
- Career Coaching
- Ongoing training and learning
A full-time trainee is employed under a training contract to work for 38 hours per week for 12 months. Trainees also receive annual leave, sick leave, public holidays, and breaks. A part-time trainee is employed under a training contract to work a minimum of 13 or 21 hours per week depending on your state requirements and receives applicable award conditions.
All Trainees will study a Certificate III or above and there is no cost for the education.
- Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) - Certificate III in Community Service
- Aged Care and Disability – Certificate III in Individual Support
This will depend on the type of traineeship that is undertaken.
- Full-time traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Disability or Aged Care is $23.35 per hour, plus super.
- Part-time traineeship in Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) is $23.35 per hour + applicable award conditions.
There’s no cost to trainees, they will be paid to complete their training.