Bridging Futures: Youth CALD Pathways to Work

Helping young people build confident pathways from school to work

Every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their strengths, discover career options and feel confident about their future.

Bridging Futures: Youth CALD Pathways to Work – Townsville is supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to prepare for life after school through hands-on learning, industry experiences and connections with local employers.

Led by Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA TNWQ) in partnership with Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG), the project works with Townsville State High School to help students develop the skills, confidence and industry connections they need to transition successfully into further education, training or employment.

This program is funded through the Queensland Government’s School to Work Transitions Program. This S2WT program has been implemented as part of the school-to-work transitions focus area of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

Why this project matters

For many young people, planning for life after school can be challenging.

Students from multicultural backgrounds may face additional barriers, including language, limited knowledge of local industries, unfamiliarity with Australian workplaces or a lack of professional networks.

At the same time, employers across North Queensland are looking for the next generation of workers across industries including healthcare, construction, logistics, hospitality, local government and community services.

Bridging Futures brings schools, families, community organisations and employers together to create stronger pathways between education and employment.

What students will experience

Students will take part in a range of practical activities designed to help them explore careers and prepare for work, including:

  • Work readiness and employability workshops
  • Industry visits and workplace tours
  • Career conversations with local employers
  • Workplace experiences and mentoring
  • Accredited training and micro-credentials
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Career planning for life after school

Throughout the program, students are supported by mentors and project staff who work closely with families and the school.

Supporting families

Families play an important role in helping young people make decisions about their future.

The project includes information sessions, bilingual communication and community engagement activities that help parents and carers better understand:

  • local career opportunities
  • education and training pathways
  • apprenticeships and traineeships
  • emerging industries across North Queensland.


By working alongside families, the program helps students make informed decisions with the support of those closest to them.

Working with local employers

Local employers are at the heart of the program.

Employers will provide workplace tours, career presentations, mentoring and short workplace experiences, giving students valuable insight into real jobs and workplaces.

The project also supports employers through multicultural awareness activities, helping create workplaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can succeed.

Building skills for the future

As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised training and industry-relevant micro-credentials, including:

  • First Aid
  • Employability Skills
  • Future Ready
  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • White Card training (where appropriate)


These practical skills help students feel more confident and prepared as they move towards employment or further study.

Partners

Bridging Futures is delivered through a strong partnership between education, industry and community.

Project partners include:


Together, these organisations are helping create stronger pathways from school into meaningful careers.

Project outcomes

The program aims to support participating students to:

  • build confidence and career readiness
  • gain recognised workplace skills
  • connect with local employers
  • explore further education and training
  • transition into employment, apprenticeships or ongoing study.


More importantly, it helps young people see a future for themselves right here in North Queensland.


Get involved

If you’re an employer, educator or community organisation interested in supporting the next generation of local workers, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact the RDA TNWQ team to learn more about how you can get involved.