Meet Y Careers: A New Pathway to Meaningful Jobs and a Better Australia

The world of work is changing, and so is Australia’s education and care industry. With an ageing population and communities across the country needing more support, care jobs are now more crucial than ever.

However, here is the challenge: the education and care industry—fields such as childcare, disability support, and aged care—are facing a massive worker shortage.

By 2025, Australia will need an estimated 250,000 new care workers to meet the growing demand. This is where Y Careers comes in, and we are not just another Government Training Organisation (GTO).

Y Careers is a new social enterprise start-up from Y Australia, with a big vision: to place 15,000 young people in meaningful careers and create 30,000 placements within five years. For young Australians, this is an opportunity to jump-start fulfilling careers in the education and care industry while addressing this critical workforce shortage. It is a win-win that opens doors for young people, sustains vital services, and empowers communities.

If you are a young person, a parent, or a professional in the education care industry, here is what Y Careers means for you. 

Why Y Careers, and Why Now?

Right now, Australia’s youth unemployment rate is double the national average at 8.7%, and many young people are struggling to find meaningful work. On the other hand, the care sector is calling out for skilled, committed workers.

Many care facilities and services are struggling to keep their doors open because of workforce shortages—a crisis that impacts not only those needing care but entire communities.

Y Careers has set out to bridge this gap by connecting young people with careers that make a real difference. Supported by a $15.2 million grant from the Australian Government, Y Careers offers a traineeship program tailored to prepare young Australians for essential care roles, with practical support that ensures they are ready to succeed.
 

How the Y Careers Model Works

Think of Y Careers as a launchpad. It is more than simply providing job opportunities to youth; it is creating a pathway to fulfilling, secure, and impactful careers. Here is what that journey looks like for young people:

• A 12-18 Month Traineeship (With an Option to Extend): Depending on the traineeship, the Y Careers program sets young people up for success over 12-18 months. Every trainee earns a good hourly wage while receiving a free education as they study a fully funded Certificate that is highly valued across the education and care sector.
   
• Real-World Experience: Participants complete work placements in care settings—such as childcare centres, disability services, and aged care facilities—giving them hands-on experience across diverse care environments. It is a year full of learning by doing.
   
• Wraparound Support and Career Coaching: Each trainee has a dedicated Career Coach guiding them through challenges, celebrating wins, and supporting their unique career goals. Y Careers recognises that stepping into a new field can feel daunting, especially in education and care work, so having a coach makes all the difference.
   
• Skills for Life, Not Just a Job: Y Careers goes beyond simply “getting a job.” Our approach is about equipping young people with a “skills portfolio” that will allow trainees to learn a range of skills transferable across various fields. Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—these are strengths our trainees will carry forward, whether they remain in education and care or decide to branch out later.
   

Why Y Careers Matters to Parents

Choosing a career path is a significant decision, and for many young people, it can be a confusing one. For parents, supporting their child as they make this transition can also feel overwhelming. The good news? Y Careers is here to make this path clearer, safer, and more rewarding.

At Y Careers, safety and support are top priorities. The program is strongly committed to safeguarding every young person involved, ensuring they are entering safe, encouraging environments where they can succeed and grow.

Trainees earn while they learn, gaining independence and confidence with the assurance that they are in a secure, structured program.

Parents can feel confident knowing that Y Careers is not just a job program—it is a bridge to a better future. It is a stepping stone for young people to gain the skills they need, discover what meaningful work feels like, and potentially build a long-term career.
 

For Employers: A New Pipeline of Talent

For employers in the care sector, Y Careers allows you to employ differently. Partnering with Y Careers means access to a pipeline of passionate young workers ready to bring fresh energy to their organisations.

Australia’s education and care economy has been stretched thin, particularly during and after the pandemic, and this is especially true in regional areas. Finding skilled workers who are not only supported but also genuinely enthusiastic about education and care work can be a significant challenge.

Y Careers offers a sustainable solution, preparing young workers with real support and the backing of a dedicated Career Coach.
 

How to Get Involved

Whether you are looking to start your career, help guide a young person toward a bright future, or strengthen your workforce with passionate, skilled young workers, Y Careers has something to offer everyone.

Our website is a great place to learn more. Here, you will find our Jobs Board where you can register your interest or apply for roles. You can also learn more about career pathways, or explore helpful resources. Or, if you are ready to ask questions or talk business, you can reach out directly via email at contact@ycareers.org.au. 

Whatever your interest, we are excited to have you on this journey with us to build a stronger, more compassionate Australia, one career at a time.