Teachers, counsellors, principals and learning diversity leaders are in a unique position to guide students. They’re a vital link to connecting students with real-world support that helps them prepare while they’re still at school and continues after they’ve left.

• Youth employment specialists
• Intensive support
• The impact of COVID
• How to get in touch

How CoAct can help teachers

As a leading youth employment specialist, CoAct has helped thousands of young people connect with further training, employers and jobs. We’ve worked with students in their final years of school as they look to enter the workforce and provide tailored support to meet individual needs.

Many staff supporting these students will be familiar with Disability Employment Services (DES), a program that helps students with a mental health condition, injury, illness or disability transition from school to employment.

We’re one of Australia’s most trusted DES providers, and have supported over 3,000 young people through DES in the last year. Our employment specialists have small caseloads so they can provide intensive support, including:

• listening to students to fully understand their circumstances, needs, interests and skills
• working together on a plan for skills development, further study and employment
• offering personal development in areas like resilience, growth mindset and managing conflict
• developing a resume, cover letter and job application
• practising interview techniques and creating an elevator pitch
• connecting young people with support services like interpreters and health professionals
• supporting individuals for up to 12 months after they’ve found a job.

COVID and employment support

COVID-19 became an unexpected challenge for education and employment support services, and it’s highlighted the need for many young people to have access to employment support. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost a third of young people experienced high levels of psychological distress in June 2021, compared with 18% of people aged 35 to 64 and 10% of people over 65.

We’ve continued to work with young people remotely and face-to-face where possible during lockdowns and times of increased health concerns, connecting remotely through weekly phone calls, text messages and Zoom.

Find out more

We’re experienced in collaborating with schools Australia-wide to support students. You can refer an individual to us online or give us a call on 1800 226 228.

“I struggle with severe anxiety and depression and find my case manager very easy to talk to. She’s very warm, caring and supportive.” Michelle, Cygnet