A series of free employment readiness workshops, offering practical skills and guidance to young people who are looking to enter the workforce.
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This program has been developed in response to the 2024 Youth Council priority area: 'Accelerate economic empowerment for young people.'
Workshops
UpskillED is now available for in-school/organisation delivery. Do you have a cohort of young people ready to enter the workforce? Help prepare them with our 6-employment readiness workshops tailored specifically for young people.
A Certificate of Participation will be provided to participants, outlining the skills developed, that can be included on resumes.
| Get to know you | It’s hard to figure out what job you might enjoy. Let us help you narrow it down by getting to know YOU better! |
| Career mapping | What is your ideal career path? If you’re not sure, career mapping can help you understand your interests and the careers that lie ahead. |
| Resume and cover letters | Wondering what makes a great resume and how to put your best foot forward in your job search? Join us to learn how to craft an impressive resume and write a cover letter that gets you noticed! Let’s help you land that dream job! |
| Job search strategies | Understanding how to look for a job, read the advert and respond to a job ad is a key element to a successful application. Up your job search game and lean some key strategies to get ahead. |
| Key selection criteria | Learn how to effectively address and respond to key selection criteria, helping showcase your skills, experience, and potential in any job application. |
| Interview confidence skills | Interviews are the next step when you’ve impressed the employer with your job application. But how do you prepare? Build your interview confidence with this workshop! |
To register your school or organisation for an UpskillED workshop, contact us today!
Short courses
As part of UpskillED, we are offering FREE accredited and non-accredited short courses for young people in their journey to becoming employment ready.
See below our available courses. Registrations required, limited spots available.
Email: [email protected].
Note: Young people must live, work, study or play in Geelong and meet age requirements.
Espresso Basic Coffee Skills
BOOKED OUT
Master the art of coffee making and build your confidence behind the coffee machine.
In this hands-on, beginner friendly class, you will learn the different coffee types, how to operate an espresso machine, and basic milk steaming and texturing.
This is a non-accredited short course facilitated by The Gordon.
Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: The Gordon - Geelong City Campus
Age requirement: Must be aged 15 to 25 at the time of completing course.
Register today, email: [email protected].
Provide First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)
BOOKED OUT
Learn the skills and knowledge to recognise emergencies and provide immediate and effective first aid treatment to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury.
You will learn basic anatomy, physiology and the differences between adults, children and infants relating to CPR, the importance of the chain of survival and the written and verbal reporting of incident details.
This is a blended, accredited short course that will require pre-work to be completed online.
Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: The Nest Youth Hub
Age requirement: Must be aged 15 to 25 at the time of completing course.
Participants must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to register for the course.
Customer Service Skills
BOOKED OUT
Serve with confidence, learn the basics of customer service with this tailored short course.
Whether you’re looking for employment or want to refresh your skills, this course includes hospitality Point of Sale (POS) training, service skills (plate carrying, table setting, customer service delivery), and bar skills (mocktails).
This non-accredited course covers all the key skills to thrive in hospitality.
Date: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Gordon – Geelong City Campus
Age requirement: Must be aged 15 to 25 at time of completing course.
Construction Induction Card (CPCWHS1001)
BOOKED OUT
The Construction Induction Card allows you to legally enter construction and building sites from employer to employee, equipped with the essential safety knowledge required on site.
This accredited short course prepares you to work safely in the construction industry.
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm (with lunch break)
Location: The Gordon – East Geelong Campus
Age requirement: Must be aged 15 to 25 at time of completing course.
Volunteering
- Volunteering at the City of Greater Geelong
- Volunteering Geelong
- Apply for a FREE volunteer Working with Children Check
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