Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman introduced the platform, which was crafted in close collaboration with young people and youth workers.
“Young people have been involved in the design of this online platform every step of the way. The outcome is fantastic, and this new resource will make a difference for young people across our state,” she said.
The government has poured $750,000 into this life skills resource, employing interactive prompts and clickable information to steer users through various topics.
YouthNav covers essential skills ranging from job hunting and moving out of home to transportation, civic engagement and financial management.
YouthNav engages young users with interactive prompts about their skills and offers guidance on life topics through clickable information presented in an engaging manner.
“We continue to work in partnership with young people to make sure we provide them with support, opportunities and a voice in the work we do, to help them succeed in life,” State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.
The platform's development involved consultations with more than 160 young people aged 13 to 25, whose feedback shaped the information and topics covered. Financial counsellors and youth practitioners, including South East Community Links, also contributed valuable insights from their work with young people.
The platform was co-designed and tested with members of the Victorian Youth Congress, an advisory group made up of 20 young people aged 12 to 25 who work with the government to make sure a youth perspective is embedded in policies and decisions that affect Victoria’s young people.
YouthNav forms part of the ‘our promise, your future’ Youth Strategy 2022-2027, which aims to enhance the health, wellbeing and future of young Victorians.
For more information or to explore YouthNav, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthnav