Youth Express On the Right Track

Arming young people with the tools to confidently engage in

Education, Community and Work

What is our mission?

To provide links and programs to help young people build confidence through self-development programs.

To provide skill development based programmes that link to educational choices and information provision.

Engage parents/family, business, education and community to support the development of young people.

To encourage business to re-engage with and recognise the potential of young people.

To provide career development support activities.

To maintain a social media profile that includes information advice and links.

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

VTEC Coordinator/Industry Liaison Office
Breanna Landwehr

Business Development Officer
Iain Yule

Special Programs Coordinator
Leanne Ferguson

Links to Learning Coordinator / Special Programs Coordinator
Eve Maguire

Programs Assistant
Genus Passi

Program Coordinator IAS
Sam Russell

Program Coordinator IAS
Teresa Hughes

VTEC Support Officer
Virginia Miller

Youth Express Executive Board

Anne Bartlett

President
Lifestyle Cleaning Solutions
Representing Industry
Julie Eldridge

CEO / Manager
Youth Express
Glenda O'Brien

Treasurer
Department of Education and Communities
Representing Education
Di Soltau

Board Member
Maitland Grossmann High School
Representing Education
Ros Evans

Board Member
Department of Education
Representing Education
Mary-Ann Hill

TAFE NSW
Representing TAFE
Lori Parish

Board Member
Worimi Land Council
Representing Industry
Deb Hescott

Hunter TAFE
Representing TAFE
Ian Scanlon

Representing Community