YCF Program aims to give high schoolers on the job experience in ECEC

Freya Lucas

Apr 17, 2025

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The Tasmanian Government’s Youth Career Facilitator (YCF) program is boosting sector and industry connections and practical and on-the-job experience for students in Year 9 and 10 in a variety of fields including early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The YCF was appointed in February 2025 as part of the Job Ready Generation of Young Tasmanians and will have an initial focus in the North and North West of the state.

The program will become statewide later this year with the appointment of a southern Youth Career Facilitator. The Tasmanian Government has invested $2.5 million into the program as part of the $59 million Youth Jobs Strategy.

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said that engagement has commenced with schools and industry in Tasmania’s North.

“Work is already underway to ensure students have meaningful access to career pathways in high-demand industries, including ECEC, tourism, hospitality, health and community services, and building and construction,” Minister Palmer said.

Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis, outlined that one core purpose of the YCF program is to help young people shape their choices about employment and training.

“Young Tasmanians deserve the smoothest possible pathway from school to the workforce, and by working with businesses and peak industry bodies, this program aligns students’ vocational education and training (VET) opportunities with Tasmania’s workforce needs,” Minister Ellis said.

“YCF is a key component of Tasmania’s Youth Jobs Strategy, which aims to ensure young people are supported to explore and test career opportunities, so they know what works best for them.”

Learn more about YCF here.

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