Working partner: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
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About
Members of the Employment Youth Advisory Group will provide advice and share insights on how young people are making the transition between education and work.
They will advise on:
- what they see as the government’s role
- things they would like to see government do more.
Members will work with DEWR on:
- careers information and support
- apprenticeship supports and messaging
- services for people struggling to make the transition between education and work.
Members
Shai-lee from New South Wales
Shai-lee a proud Wiradjuri woman, granddaughter, daughter, sister, and aunty with connections to Griffith and the broader New South Wales Riverina.
She has spent the last 4 years working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations across various sectors including health, reconciliation and research.
This has led Shai-lee to commence a Bachelor of Social Science and Criminology, which she’ll start in the coming months.
She hopes to bring her knowledge and experience in First Nations peoples’ health, social and emotional wellbeing to the Employment Youth Advisory Group, so they can create genuine pathways and opportunities for young First Nations peoples in government employment.
Lucinda from Victoria
Lucinda is in her final year of a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (honours) and Bachelor of Business Management.
She is passionate about the evolving world of work, with a specific focus on its connection to sustainable development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM-related fields.
Within this group, Lucinda aims to enhance opportunities for young people in underrepresented sectors, through establishing and supporting pathways that foster impactful and equitable careers.
For Lucinda, impact is defined by an individual's recognition that their work contributes to societal, economic, governance, and environmental elements.
Chris from Queensland
Chris has been employed since the age of 14. He has progressed from a crew member to a team lead, and now a crew coach at a fast-food restaurant. He has recently completed a traineeship with them.
As a recent member of the 2023 Lord Mayor Youth Advisory Council, student advocate for National Student Volunteering Week and current Student Council Representative at his school, Chris actively empowers youth voices and encourages youth participation.
In the Employment Youth Advisory Group, Chris aims to facilitate enhanced communication for young people about entering the workforce, whilst addressing issues of age discrimination, low wages and limited opportunities.
He is passionate about advocating for improved systems around youth labour.
Ramon from Queensland
As a deeply passionate advocate for youth empowerment and social change, Ramon’s journey has involved impactful collaborations with organisations such as the Smith Family Foundation and VIEW (Voice, Interest and Education of Women).
His mission is to amplify and empower the voices of young Australians, ensuring their perspectives shape our nation's future.
Ramon’s focus is on championing the causes of marginalised groups such as Indigenous Australians, women, and people with disabilities.
In his role with the Employment Youth Advisory Group, he is dedicated to fostering their growth and success in the workforce.
By addressing and overcoming past barriers, Ramon’s goal is to create accessible and equitable employment opportunities, paving the way for meaningful and lasting success for these groups.
Janelle from Northern Territory
Janelle is a recent medical graduate, currently working as a Medical Practitioner. She has a deep passion for advocating for youth, especially in rural and remote areas.
Serving as a 2024 NT Youth Round Table Member and actively volunteering with various youth-focused organisations, Janelle is dedicated to bridging gaps and promoting inclusivity.
With diverse experiences and an open approach, Janelle is a dynamic team player, working towards positively shaping the transition of our youth into the workforce.
Her primary goal is to help our youth achieve their dreams, ultimately cultivating a diverse workforce of well-informed, supported, and resilient individuals for the years ahead.
Teah from Queensland
Teah is a qualified fitter and turner with extensive experience in the food manufacturing sector.
As a participant in Worldskills Regional and National Fitting competitions and a recipient of Women in Trades Scholarships, Teah is dedicated to promoting support and advocacy for young people entering the workforce.
She was privileged to participate in the National Apprentice Employment Network's Todays Skills, Tomorrows Leaders program in 2022.
Teah strives to inspire and demonstrate that with the right mentality and support, success is attainable.
Teah’s focus is in breaking down gender barriers, emphasising that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated trades.
Caitlin from New South Wales
Caitlin’s lived experience has granted her invaluable insight into achieving equity for people with disability.
Currently serving as a Youth Councillor for Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), Caitlin has extended my passion for social and systemic advocacy by actively engaging with policy and governance. Through this journey, Caitlin has gained a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive and accessible spaces.
Caitlin’s active participation in her local council, the 2022 NSW Regional Youth Taskforce, and serving as a Y NSW Youth Parliamentarian, has afforded her fresh insights on the complex and intersecting challenges faced by young people, particularly youth with disability, in the realm of employment.
Caitlin is excited to connect with and learn from the wealth of experience and knowledge within the Youth Advisory Groups, collaboratively informing future policy to enact tangible and meaningful change.
Max from Victoria
Max is a student at the University of Melbourne, studying philosophy, economics, and mathematics.
Currently working at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance, Max is passionate about the issues in the political economy, particularly unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis.
Max is excited to work in the Employment Youth Advisory Group to work on solutions to the intersectional issue of youth poverty and mental health.