Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Work Inspiration
To successfully navigate the transition to work, young people need to be motivated, engaged, and have realistic job expectations
Young people facing disadvantage often lack the opportunities and support to acquire this knowledge.
Navigating the transition to work is an exciting step for young people. With the right motivation, engagement, and realistic job expectations, every young person can thrive in their first workplace. By applying practical support, we can help young people—regardless of background—build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need for a successful start.
Rather than viewing disadvantage as a barrier, we can focus on expanding opportunities and encouraging strengths, ensuring all young people are well-equipped to begin their working journey.
Young people experiencing disadvantage may have fewer networks and personal connections to help them understand their job and career options.1
Opportunities such as industry visits and networking can provide students living with poverty with valuable exposure of the world of work,2 and can broaden their horizons.
I would recommend Work Inspiration for students who are uncertain about jobs or how jobs work – it helped me better understand options after school and expectations of workplaces.
The best thing about Work Inspiration was being able to learn from people who have faced troubles and have accomplished things despite it
What is Work Inspiration?
Work Inspiration is an employer-led initiative that provides young people with opportunities to experience the world of work first-hand in a meaningful and inspiring way.
Participating employers are supported by The Smith Family to develop career engagement activities or “Insights” that allow students to explore career journeys, connect with their business and meet and talk to staff over two to three days when they run the program.
Employers: join the program and inspire young people
Employers get involved in Work Inspiration for many reasons: to support their local community; to build knowledge about the opportunities in their industry; or to provide their staff members with meaningful community activity. Others just want to give back.
Whatever your motivation, The Smith Family is keen to support your organisation to host Work Inspiration.
- Our free suite of resources can help you set up your own Work Inspiration program.
- We also have a dedicated Industry Engagement Manager to answer questions and provide guidance.
To find out more about Work Inspiration please email us at workinspiration@thesmithfamily.com.au.
Our learning programs
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life
Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
1, 2Groves, O., Austin, K., O’Shea, S. and Lamanna, J. (2023). “‘One student might get one opportunity and then the next student won’t get anything like that’: Inequities in Australian career education and recommendations for a fairer future”. Australian Education Researcher (p. 530).