Equip! is a youth mentoring program for culturally diverse young people in the Geelong region. It is funded by the Department of Employment through the Empowering Youth Initiative.
Equip! aims to help young people from a refugee background (aged 16 to 24 years) to develop their understanding of work, and consider their own strengths and interests. Young people participate in introductory training about vocational guidance, career planning, job search training.
The program aims to match all participants with a mentor to offer individual support, and to offer work experience and support to volunteer. Many young people have developed a better understanding of the opportunities in Geelong, and have extended their professional and community networks.
Young people have made these comments about Equip! and working with their mentors:
- “I am more comfortable with talking to people inside and outside of the program”
- “My resume is good now and I can go to interview”
- “Coming to Equip! I learnt how to work in a team”
- “It is a good program for young people to get to know and have experience of the things they need for their future”
Equip! is funded through the Department of Employment Empowering Youth Initiatives
Interested in becoming a mentor? Can your organisation help?
Mentors come from a wide range of career and industry backgrounds, and use their life skills to support a young person research their interest and possible career paths. Mentors come from diverse employment and both employed and retired.
We looking for the following attributes in our Mentors:
- Positive attitude towards young people; and willingness to work in a culturally sensitive, welcoming and positive manner
- General understanding of the workplace and expectations in Australia (your professional or community networks may also be able to help a young person with related experiences)
- Availability to meet regularly with a young person on a weekly basis during a six month program (times negotiable)
- Willingness to work with the Equip Team and other mentors.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about the Equip! Program, or enquire about being a mentor or participant, please contact us.
Jill Rush
Phone: (03) 5221 6044
Email: equip@diversitat.org.au
