Sometimes progress starts with something as simple as walking through a door.
For a group of 20 young people who attended Opendoor’s recent Youth Careers and Jobs Expo in Broadmeadows, it started with walking there together.
Before the expo, some were nervous. Some were unsure about what to expect. Others did not know what questions to ask or where their next step towards work or study might take them.
By the end of the day, those same young people were approaching employers, asking questions and exploring opportunities for themselves.
Building confidence before they arrived
The day began at the Opendoor Broadmeadows Hub, where Project Support Officer Helena brought the group together before the expo.
Rather than asking the young people to arrive at the event individually, the group spent time talking first and then walked to the venue together.
They were joined by members of the Opendoor team, including Youth Coach Ann, Allied Health team member Ali and SEE Trainer Nathaniel.
The walk became an important part of the experience.
There was time to talk, ask questions and get to know each other before arriving.
Several young people later said attending together made the expo feel less daunting. One described the group walking to the event as “kinda cool”.
Some of the young people who had been reluctant to attend or speak with stallholders were soon taking the lead.
Helena watched young people who had appeared shy earlier in the day approach employers and training providers themselves. They asked questions, gathered information and started conversations.
She described seeing a new “sparkle in their eye”.
More than conversations
The real value of the day was what happened once the young people were there.
One young person has a long term goal of contributing to conservation and caring for the environment. At the expo, she independently approached Opendoor’s social enterprise, Cleanable, and spoke directly with the team.
She exchanged contact details, sent through her resume and asked about the opportunity to interview for a role.
For her, the connection was not simply about finding any job. She saw an opportunity that aligned with where she wants her future to go.
Other young people left with their own next steps.
One is following up with Kangan Institute about the next intake for Animal Care.
Another said the conversations at the expo confirmed that she was on the right education pathway and helped her understand further study options.
Two young people found entirely new areas of interest. One is now exploring aviation. Another is looking at becoming a barista through training offered by a community partner.
Four young people have also been referred to Opendoor’s employment team for further support with employment opportunities and connecting with employers.
“I feel so much more confident now”
Perhaps the best measure of the day came from the young people themselves.
“I was curious about my next steps. The expo was able to give me the answers I needed, and I feel so much more confident now to push forward with my journey.”
Another young person shared:
“I am feeling more confident and motivated since the expo. I now have more information through the conversations I was able to have. It was enlightening.”
Support that continues after the event
The expo lasted one day, but Opendoor’s support continues.
The team helped young people feel comfortable enough to attend and then gave them the space to take the lead.
They walked with them. They answered questions. They encouraged them to start conversations with employers and training providers. Importantly, they supported young people to make their own choices about what came next.
Now the team is helping turn those conversations into action.
That is an important part of Opendoor’s Transition to Work service. Support looks different for every young person because every young person has different goals.
Twenty young people walked to the expo together, some nervous about what was ahead.
They left with new contacts, clearer direction and the confidence that comes from having taken that first step for themselves.
Looking for support with your next step?
Opendoor’s Transition to Work team supports young people to explore employment, education and training pathways and take practical steps towards their goals.
Contact our Transition to Work team to find out how we support young people to move towards work, study and their future. Click.
