The project will support young people aged up to 25 to access free accredited training and upskilling opportunities across a range of industries. It will also see the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to the local area, empowering youth to develop essential life skills, make positive and healthy choices, and give back ...
Laverton Youth Foundation
Youth Upskilling
GOAL
$15,000
Australia > VIC > Metro
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds
Laverton Youth Foundation
Laverton Youth Foundation (LYF) provides a not-for-profit service for young people aged 12 – 25, in Melbourne’s West. The project works in partnership with local organisations and businesses to provide free diversionary and upskilling activities for disadvantaged and disengaged young people, providing a safe space to learn, grow, make friends and have fun. The project aims to improve skill development and employment pathways, promote positive mental health, reduce social isolation, and support healthy lifestyle choices.
The Laverton Youth Foundation is based within Laverton Community Integrated Services, a not-for-profit Neighbourhood House operating under a Community Development framework and guided by principles of Social Justice.
Laverton Community Integrated Services operates with the vision: "We empower people."
This guiding principle is at the heart of all that we do. LCIS is committed to supporting our local community by providing a wide range of programs, services, and community events designed to enhance wellbeing and help build brighter, more secure futures.
Through its integrated services, LCIS aims to empower individuals across all life stages—strengthening families, building community capacity, and promoting long-term resilience.
As a not-for-profit organisation, LYF relies on the generosity of grants and donations to sustain and grow all of our programs. These vital contributions enable us to continue delivering meaningful initiatives that empower our community and create lasting positive change.
By investing in LYF, partners and donors help us reach more people, expand our impact, and build a stronger, more connected community that supports our most vulnerable members.
Project Summary
The project will support young people aged up to 25 to access free accredited training and upskilling opportunities across a range of industries. It will also see the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to the local area, empowering youth to develop essential life skills, make positive and healthy choices, and give back to their community.
The project will prioritise young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, as well as those at risk of disengaging from education or training, supporting them to build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed to achieve a brighter future.
The aims of the project are to:
- Provide free accredited training courses to support young people’s transition into employment, offering pathways in areas such as sports, construction, or hospitality, based on the interests and goals identified by the youth themselves.
- Support young people (up to 25 years old) to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised accreditation that celebrates personal growth, non-formal learning, and achievement.
- Empower participants through the Award to develop essential life skills, make positive and healthy choices, and actively contribute to their communities.
- Guide young people through the four core components of the Award: Physical Activity, Skills Development, Voluntary Service (completed weekly), and an Adventurous Journey (a 1-, 2-, or 3-night camp including a practice expedition).
Project Outcomes
The program will deliver clear, measurable outcomes-
• Enhanced employability: Participants will complete accredited training modules that increase their qualifications and readiness for work across key industries such as hospitality, construction and community services.
• Improved confidence and wellbeing: Engagement in structured, youth-led activities will build resilience, self-esteem and leadership skills, supporting positive mental health and personal growth.
• Social inclusion and belonging: Young people will develop strong peer networks and a sense of connection through teamwork, volunteering and community participation, reducing isolation and disengagement.
• Pathways to education and lifelong learning: Participants will access both formal and non-formal learning opportunities, gaining recognition for achievements and motivation to continue further study or training.
• Community contribution: Through volunteering and leadership activities, youth will contribute meaningfully to local projects, becoming positive role models and active citizens.
Evaluation and measurement of outcomes will take several forms and will be on-going throughout the year. This will include community consultation through varies forms such as
• online surveys,
• feedback/evaluation forms completed
• focus groups with youth and staff
• Follow up consultation with training recipients will also occur.
This will be supported by the youth steering group.
These evaluation methods aim to measure outcomes by tracking the number of participants who engage in and complete training or awards, assessing the employment rates among participants, and evaluating the overall impact of the project on individuals. Additionally, the evaluation will gather participant feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $100,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Foundation | $27,000 |
| Gateway Community Services | $10,000 |
| Laverton Community Integrated Services - in kind | $48,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Training courses - as required by young people | $15,000 |
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