Opportunities to Be the One and make a difference  

Volunteer at a school, library or Child and Family Learning Centre

There are different ways to help out as a volunteer.  

• If you want to volunteer regularly, coming to the classroom for activities like reading might be a good option for you – in English, or another language!
• If you have a green thumb, why not help out with gardening at your local school or Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC)?
• Helping out at the school canteen is another valuable way to support the school community.
• At libraries, you could help with programs like Rock and Rhyme, or school holiday activities.
• Events like open days, working bees and school fairs can always use more hands on deck, so offering your help would be greatly appreciated.

There are infinite benefits in being a volunteer at DECYP. The friendships you share are for life. You build up strong connections with the young people, you build up connections in the community, and we make our whole community much stronger through our work.
– Jan, volunteer with Kentish Lions Team

If you are interested in volunteering, contact your local school, CFLC or library and find out how you could contribute.  

Work placements and apprenticeships

Work-based learning placements and apprenticeships are one way to keep young people engaged in formal education and can give them an opportunity to follow their interests and passions.  

They also help to futureproof your workforce and can address skills shortages. As an employer, you get to connect earlier with motivated young people who have already shown an interest in the field. 

To find out more, have a look at Apprenticeships and Traineeships | Department for Education, Children and Young People.  

Mentor a young person

Mentoring connects young people with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.  

As a mentor, you become an extra support in the life of a young person.  

There are many organisations across the island you can mentor with, with some even offering online mentoring options. Some also focus on passing on specific skills, like mechanical training. Most of these organisations provide training to their mentors. Find an option that suits you in your local community!

Find a career that can make a difference

If you are looking for a career that makes a difference in the lives of children and young people, there are countless options! 

For example, you could work as a: 

• Aboriginal Education Officer 
• Child Safety Officer 
• Early Childhood Educator 
• Librarian (including School Library Technician) 
• Nurse (including as a School Health Nurse in schools) 
• Paediatrician 
• Psychologist (including as a School Psychologist) 
• Teacher or Teacher Assistant 
• School Crossing Officer 
• Social Worker 
• Speech and Language Pathologist 
• Youth Worker 

And there are so many more! 

For more information, have a look at: 

• Careers and employment – Department for Education, Children and Young People 
• Tasmanian Government Jobs 
• SEEK – Australia’s no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site 

Become a foster carer or a homestay host

If you want to open up your home to a young person, becoming a foster carer or hosting an international student may be for you. 

Foster care

Foster carers are individuals, couples or families that open their homes and hearts to children and young people when they are unable to live at home. Children and young people come into care for as long as needed. This can be from a few days to a few weeks or longer. 

Find out more at Foster care – Department for Education, Children and Young People.

Homestay host

Homestay is a fantastic opportunity for your family to learn about another culture, and you’ll be helping a young person experience Tasmania through the eyes of a local family by sharing culture, language and food. 

Find out more at Host a student – Tasmanian Government Education International.