Youth Express On the Right Track
Arming young people with the tools to confidently engage in
Education, Community and Work
What is our mission?
Youth Express is a registered not-for profit and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) charity. We have supported young people in the Hunter through various programs since 1993. We deliver a range of programs that encourage strong and sustainable links amongst our key stakeholders: Young People, Education Providers, Business/Industry, Parents and the Community. Our services are delivered within the Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, Port Stephens & Dungog regions.
Government Funded Programs:
• Work Placements
• Links to Learning
• Indigenous Advancement Strategy
• KauKan
Fee-for-Service:
• School Support Services
• STEAM Shack
• Learn to Work
• Moving On
• Validate Me
• Skills for Life
• Industry Excursion and Inspiration Visits
• Career Quests
• Work Preparation Workshops
• Teacher Professional Learning (TPL): Networking and Industry Visits
Robert Beggs and Peter Hilder Awards
Youth Express hosts the annual Robert Beggs and Peter Hilder Awards to recognise the achievements of VET students, teachers and businesses across the Hunter. In recognition of Robert Beggs passion and commitment to Vocational Education, nominations are received from schools and staff to honor those who show outstanding commitment to VET work.
Awards are held at the end of each school year and bring together students and their families, community members, school representatives, business and industry partners.
H-YTAG: The Hunter Youth Transition Advisory Group
Youth Express facilitate quarterly meetings for the H-YTAG committee who represent key stakeholders in supporting young people . The Hunter Youth Transition Advisory Group (H-YTAG) is an opportunity for industry, education, community and government, to partner and collaborate to achieve positive results for our young people to transition from education to employment. We invite stakeholders to participate in a consultative meeting and also have the opportunity to present feedback and insight into program development. By holding a consultative committee the focus is shifted to the issue at hand and members feel engaged and motivated to provide positive suggestions. We continually accept new members and look forward to positive advocacy in the future.
Meet The Youth Express Team
Julie Eldridge
CEO / Manager
Natalie Lewin
Office Manager
Jane Thompson
Work Placement Team Leader
Denise Rafferty
Work Placement Coordinator
Tania Bunk
TAEG Coordinator/Industry Liaison Officer
Leanne Ferguson
Special Programs
Eve Maguire
Special Programs
Genus Passi
Program Coordinator IAS
Sam Russell
Program Coordinator IAS
Teresa Hughes
VTEC Support Officer
Andrew Carloff
School Support Services Coordinator
Toni Mulligan
Work Placement Coordinator
Youth Express Executive Board
Emma Ambrose
Position: President
Ambrose Tennis Academy
Representing IndustryJulie Eldridge
CEO / Manager
Youth ExpressLori Parish
Position: Board Member
Worimi Land Council
Representing CommunityIan Scanlon
Position: Board Member
Representing CommunityDeb Hescott
Position: Board Member
TAFE NSW
Representing TAFE NSWRosalind Gavin
Position: Board Member
Department of Education
Representing EducationGeraldine Blake
Position: Board Member
Catholic Schools Office – Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Representing EducationMary-Ann Hill
Position: Board Member
MAH Writing Service
Representing Industry
0
Local Schools Engaged
0
Further Education Providers
0
Businesses Involved
Youth Express reports and community updates:
Youth Week Recognition (2019):
Youth Express supports Kings Engineering open day for new apprentices (2018):
VTEC call out to businesses in Port Stephens (2018):
Youth Express’ SWITCH Mentoring Program delivers great results for Hunter high school students (2017):
Labor candidate Meryl Swanson promises youth unemployment round-table (2016):
Youth Express targets youth unemployment rate in the Hunter (2016):
Supporting Hunter youth for 20 years (2013):
We develop lasting relationships between students, workers, educational facilities & local business.
Our Feedback Speaks For Itself.
“Youth Express helped us to gain access to our future workforce”
Big W Greenhills
Cory Krake, Store Manager.
“They found the right staff for the job and always followed up”
The Cellar Restaurant
Andy and Janet Wright, Owners/Managers
At our core is a team of passionate YOUTH Education, Training & Career Specialists