Get involved as a volunteer

Young people around Australia are looking for guidance for their future and career. Research has revealed that 95% of young people want employers to be more involved in giving advice about careers and employment.

Through Inspiring the Future, it's easy to inspire students in your local area. By sharing your advice and experiences you can help secondary and primary school students to overcome career gender stereotypes, push past cultural and social barriers, broaden their horizons and engage with their learning at school.

When you sign up as a volunteer you're in control! Teachers in your region may send you an invitation to an activity, and you get to accept or decline depending on your availability. There's no pressure to give a talk if you're not comfortable or go to a place that is too far away.

You choose your preferred regions and activities inside your profile, as well as share a little bit about your job and/or career to peak teachers' interest. All personal information, like your email and phone number, is private and secure! So you don't need to worry about being spammed or inundated with requests or phone calls.

"I found it very rewarding to share information about an industry I enjoy working in" (ITF volunteer)

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Volunteers' Experience at ITF Events

Popular Inspiring the Future activities

Inspiring Women

A focused activity to inspire and motivate female students to overcome gender stereotypes and other barriers. This activity most commonly involved a student-run panel discussion, with the possibility of informal speed career networking or a more formal career talk.

Primary Futures

Intended to bring careers into the minds of Primary aged students, Primary Futures challenges gender and cultural stereotypes through a fun 'What's My Line?' activity. Volunteers sit on stage with a large number and answer 'yes' and 'no' questions about their career from primary students. Students then guess what job each volunteer does, before a great reveal where volunteers come in wearing their uniform or holding a prop from their job and say something about what they do.

Inspiring Apprentices

This activity is intended to educate and inspire young people about the possibilities of apprenticeships and traineeships. It involves a career speed networking session, where volunteers rotate around tables with different student groups, and a mini-expo for employers to showcase their pathways and opportunities.

Mock Interviews

A very popular activity amongst Careers Advisors, mock interviews involves volunteer simulating the interview experience for young people and giving helpful feedback for them to improve. This often happens in a large room where volunteers interview a few students throughout the session.

Guest Speaking

Share your experience, advice or expertise on a particular topic in a formal talk either in a classroom, assembly or other career activity.

Informal Conversations

Share your experience and advice in an informal way, not up the front! Chat with students during a speed career networking activity, casual panel discussion or career conversation. This could also be a skills demonstration or help with a project depending on your passion and availability.

Child Protection Requirements

Making sure students are safe is paramount so we ask that you agree to comply with any Child Protection requirements in your State or as asked by the school. This most commonly entails showing photo id, filling out a simple form or getting a free volunteer working with children check. You can learn more about the requirements in your state here.

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