Some young people don’t thrive in a traditional school environment—and that’s okay. The Back in the Game program is here to help students aged 15–19 find a path that works for them.

Delivered by Compact Inc. across the Riverina, this flexible referral-based program provides personalised mentoring and support to help students re-engage with education or take their first steps into training or employment.

Each young person is different. That’s why our support is tailored to their individual needs, which might include:

• Identifying learning or personal barriers
• Career pathway planning and setting goals
• Job-readiness activities (like resumes, tax file numbers, licences)
• Access to short courses or pre-employment training
• Arranging work experience with local businesses
• Ongoing mentoring and encouragement
• Helping with essential equipment or identification

Lane, a Year 12 student
Today, Lane is working full-time as a Grounds Keeper apprentice.

To join the program, a young person must:

• Be aged 15–19
• Be enrolled in a participating school and referred by the school
• Not be currently receiving support through other youth employment or education transition programs

If you’re unsure whether a student qualifies, we can walk you through it.

Some examples of positive outcomes from the program include:

• Re-engaging with school
• Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship
• Completing a short course or Certificate II
• Gaining confidence and readiness to work
• Accessing support for mental health and wellbeing
• Securing work experience, casual work, or full-time employment

Whether a student needs help setting up a bank account, getting their learner licence, or enrolling in training—our team is here to help.