As part of YO Bendigo's Level Up project, YO Skills provides opportunities for young people to build their practical skills and knowledge, gain qualifications and participate in meaningful opportunities (including paid opportunities) to support them to connect with employment, education and community.  

To find out more about the project and eligibility, check out the Level-Up webpage! 

Are you a young person aged 12 - 18? Unsure of your future at school or in the workplace? Join the YO Skills program to enjoy a range of amazing opportunities and gain practical and transferable skills that will help you live independently, join the workforce and get the experience you need to join the industries that interest you! 

YO Bendigo will review all referrals (including self-referrals) to ensure the program is right for you, and then we'll get in contact with you. From there, we'll send you invitations to all opportunities delivered through the program that we think you'll be interested in. You can choose how many opportunities you sign up for - for some, this might be a one-off specific activity, for others, they may want to get involved in an ongoing capacity or participate in a longer-term opportunity such as becoming a Youth Facilitator. YO Skills participants will also be invited to participate in other activities delivered through the YO Connect and other YO Bendigo programs! 

How the referral system works
The YO Bendigo level up and overcome program aims to help young people aged 12-18 connect within the community and develop life skills and skills to support future employment. This program is funded through the Federal Government SARC Grant, inwhich under which its guidelines can only support young people 12-18 years. The referral system works to utilise this funding to provide free tickets to young people aged 12-18 years to attend micro-credential training, social sessions like YO Chill Days, chatty creative workshops, and job skills workshops. 

When you refer someone or make a referral, you them will be added to our mailing list to recieve information of upcoming workshpos, trainings and opportunities relevant to young people across Greater Bendigo, and also be contacted by the YO Bendigo Youth Officer managing the Level-up and overcome program, who will offer to meet online or in-person to discuss your interests and skill goals so we can support you in further engagement and looking into additional workshops or sessions that can be run with your interestes in mind

Past events

• Barista Workshop - March 20th  

  Participants jumped behind a commercial coffee machine at Galkangu for our first workshop of the year, gaining hands‑on experience and real confidence as they learned to steam milk, pull shots, and create café‑quality drinks in a relaxed, supportive setting.
   

• Responsible Serving of Alcohol Training - (2x sessions) Monday 23rd and 30th of March 

  Across two interactive sessions, participants explored real‑world hospitality scenarios, learning how to manage intoxicated patrons, understand their workplace rights, and apply responsible service practices through practical, conversation‑driven training.

Upcoming events

	Barista Workshop - 25th June   Level up your hospo skills at YO Bendigo’s hands‑on Barista Workshop! Get behind a real coffee machine, learn the essentials, and build confidence in a fun, beginner‑friendly space. Whether you're chasing a job or just curious about how great coffee is made, this workshop is your perfect first step.
	RSA Certificate (SITHFAB021) training - 6th and 7th July This accredited training gives you the skills and knowledge to provide safe and responsible serving of alcohol, and certification to work in a licensed premises that sells alcohol.

In the works...
We are currently looking at dates for an upcoming First Aid, another RSA training, White Card, and a Food Handlers course across the next few months. 

Join our mailing list for a weekly newsletter to be first in the know on what is on offer, or join our waiting list to receive information on workshops or trainings you are interested in, the moment ticketing links become live!