Youth Facilitator Program
Become a Youth Facilitator – Share Your Skills & Get Paid
Got a skill, passion, hobby, or idea you’d love to share with others your age? YO Bendigo is looking for young people to step up, get creative, and run their own workshops as part of the Youth Facilitator Program, part of the YO Level Up Program.
As part of the YO Skills program within YO Bendigo's Level Up project, Youth Facilitators will be supported to co-design and co-facilitate workshops and activities of their choice for other young people that fit into either the YO Skills or YO Connect programs.
How do I apply?
To get started, simply complete the "Youth Facilitator Expression of Interest (EOI) form"
The form is quick and easy, asking for basic details and a few questions about your workshop idea and the kind of support you might need. You don’t need to have everything figured out.
If you have any questions about the form or the Youth Facilitator Program, you’re more than welcome to email [email protected].
What happens after I apply?
After you submit your Expression of Interest, a YO Bendigo staff member will get in touch to organise a relaxed planning meeting. In this meeting, you’ll talk through your idea, explore how your workshop might run, look at possible dates, and work out what you might need to bring it to life.
To help you get started and feel more prepared, you’ll receive two simple documents:
These are designed to guide your thinking and help you start shaping your ideas before the meeting, especially if you’re not quite sure where to begin.
What Support Will I Get?
You won’t be doing this alone. YO Bendigo staff will support you every step of the way, including:
- Helping you shape your workshop idea
- Planning your session structure and activities
- Working through equipment and resource needs
- Developing a simple budget
- Making sure your workshop is safe, inclusive, and engaging
- Being present during your workshop to support you on the day
This program is all about building your skills and confidence—you’re not expected to be perfect or a polished public speaker. It’s a learning experience, and we’ve got your back.
How does payment work?
Youth Facilitators are paid $50 per hour for delivering their workshops. Through this program, you’ll also be supported to learn how the process works, including how to invoice, complete a supplier form, and understand what it’s like to be paid as a contractor, creating a great learning experience as well as a paid opportunity.
You will need an Employee Working With Children Check (WWCC) to be paid as a facilitator. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry, as staff can guide you through the process. A good first step is to apply for a Volunteer (free) WWCC, and then we can support you to upgrade it when you’re ready.
The City of Greater Bendigo covers insurance for all Youth Facilitators through its community insurance program, so you’ll be supported to run your workshop safely and confidently.
What do workshops look like?
Workshops are designed to be small, relaxed, and supportive, and are delivered at YO Bendigo (41-43 Mundy St, Bendigo) for young people aged 12–25. Sessions are usually around 1–2 hours, giving you enough time to run something meaningful without it feeling too overwhelming.
You’ll never be doing it alone—YO Bendigo staff will be there on the day to support you, help guide the session if needed, and make sure everything runs smoothly. If you’d feel more comfortable, you can also explore co-facilitating with a friend.
PREVIOUS WORKSHOP EXAMPLES
Previous examples include spoon ring-making, denim painting, prop-making, floral wreaths, and songwriting, but it doesn’t have to be creative or hands-on. You could also run something like a board game session, a learn-to-skateboard workshop, networking tips, note-taking skills, or even how to change a tyre.
I’m interested but not sure
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about applying—this program is designed to support you every step of the way. You don’t need experience or a fully planned idea, just something you’re interested in or would like to share. Even a small idea is enough to get started, and staff will help you shape it into a workshop you feel confident running.
Overall, it’s a chance to build confidence, gain real experience, and turn your interests as a young person into something you can share with other young people. Odds are, if it is an idea you are interested in, other people likely would be too!
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services