SYC

Mental Health First Aid skills can make a real difference, but like any skill, they need refreshing.

If your MHFA accreditation is approaching the three-year mark, join our upcoming Standard MHFA Refresher course to strengthen your knowledge, rebuild confidence, and stay current with best practice approaches.

Register or find out more about the upcoming course here: https://enrol.syc.net.au/course-details/?course_id=106390&course_type=w

SYC and Workabout, a Department for Education program, recently welcomed students, employers, educators and community organisations to the second Next Steps Aboriginal Youth Expo, creating a space where young people could explore what their future could look like beyond the classroom.

Designed to connect Aboriginal students with opportunities in employment, education and training, the expo brought together more than 55 organisations from a diverse range of industries.

"When young people can connect directly with employers, educators and industry professionals, it helps bring future opportunities to life.” Scott Whitmore, National Partnerships Manager at SYC.

The success of this year's event highlights the importance of bringing education, industry and community together to support Aboriginal young people as they navigate life after school.

Meet Jai, who has signed up for a school-based Plumbing Apprenticeship with Fulwood Contracting!

While completing his school studies, Jai will gain hands-on experience in the plumbing industry, developing his knowledge and skills as he takes his first steps towards a career in the trades.

Our Field Officer, Tina, was there to support Jai through his sign-up and will continue working alongside Jai and his employer throughout his apprenticeship.

It’s fantastic to see Jai getting a head start in the industry while completing school. We look forward to following his progress as he builds his skills and experience.

To learn more about how SYC supports school-based apprentices and trainees, visit our website: https://www.syc.net.au/services/apprenticeships/schools

Australia needs skilled workers, but this can’t happen without the people who train them. BuildSkills Australia is launching a national campaign to raise awareness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) career pathways to encourage experienced professionals to consider training roles.

If you’ve built your career ‘on the tools’, there’s an opportunity to take that experience further. VET training offers:
• Improved work-life balance and career longevity
• The chance to mentor the next generation
• A meaningful way to stay connected to your trade

Visit yournextbigproject.com.au to learn more about how you can grow your career and stay connected to the industry.

SYC was proud to partner with TAPS - Trainee and Apprentice Placement Service on the First Nations Introduction to Trades and Construction course, supporting 11 participants to build practical skills, confidence and connections with industry.

With hands-on experiences, accredited training, employer connections and First Nations mentoring, the two-week program gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves and explore where a career in the trades could take them.

For one participant, the experience sparked a new career goal:
“I really liked the roofing and I’d love to get a job doing that. I got so much out of this and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.”

Read more about the program, the partnership and the participants’ experiences: https://www.syc.net.au/news/building-pathways-into-construction-for-first-nations-participants-with-taps

We had a fantastic time at Deadly Yarns at Christie Downs Community Centre last week!

It was great to connect with the local community and share information about apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, as well as the support available to First Nations apprentices and their employers.

With over 160 people attending, the day was all about connection, culture and community, with opportunities to explore future employment and training pathways.

A huge thank you to Upskill Global PTY LTD for bringing everyone together and having our team along for the day.

As South Australia’s only First Nations Specialist Apprentice Connect Provider, we provide free, tailored support to First Nations apprentices and their employers throughout their apprenticeship journey.

Interested in apprenticeship support? Call 1300 SYC 323 to speak with our team or visit our website: www.syc.net.au/services/apprenticeships -us

Thinking about employing an apprentice or trainee?

Join us for the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Employer Information Session, hosted by the City of Marion, on Tuesday 29 September to learn more about apprenticeships, employer incentives and the support available to employers.

SYC will be joining other industry organisations and local employers to share insights and answer questions.

Tuesday 29 September | 5pm–7pm | Cove Civic Centre, Hallett Cove

Employers, business owners, managers, supervisors and HR professionals are encouraged to attend.

Register here: https://apprenticeshipemployerinformationsession.eventbrite.com.au

SYC was proud to attend the 2026 South Australian Training Awards on Friday night, celebrating the achievements of individuals and organisations making a difference across South Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.

As sponsor of the Large Training Provider of the Year Award, SYC was pleased to have our Chief Operating Officer, Employment and Education, Stacey Dutschke, present the award on the night.

Congratulations to the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (SA Branch), whose industry-based training organisation, ANMEC – Australian Nursing & Midwifery Education Centre, was named the 2026 Large Training Provider of the Year.

We also congratulate Adelaide Training and Employment Centre, Civil Train SA, MTA Training and Employment and TAFE SA on being finalists in the category.

Reflecting on the evening, Stacey said:
“The South Australian Training Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and partnerships that are strengthening skills and creating opportunities across our state.”

Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and award recipients on a fantastic achievement.

(RTO 40053)

Yesterday, our teams across SYC came together to mark R U OK? Day.

There was plenty of yellow across our sites as teams took some time out to connect, check in with each other and focus on wellbeing.

R U OK? Day is a good reminder that a simple “R U OK?” can go a long way, whether it’s a co-worker, teammate, friend, family member or someone who might just need a little extra support.

At SYC, we believe checking in matters every day. Keep the conversation going and ask R U OK? any day. For tips and resources, visit ruok.org.au