Good Cycles Youth Employment Program

Since 2013 we have been inspired by the bicycle to build a workforce for change. Given young people are more than twice as likely as older people to experience unemployment with a range of barriers to entering the labour market, Good Cycles strives to help them see a brighter future and to be a key part of a workforce that is delivering positive change for their communities.

Our Youth Employment Program (YEP) uses a work-first approach, offering jobs to young people aged 18-28, with real income alongside tailored coaching and support. Our ‘learn by doing’ approach is offered with personal choice and an inclusive workplace to deliver technical and transferable skills.

"I would say that the company is very patient with its staff. This is a place where you can feel comfortable learning on the job, where you are expected to make mistakes and gradually improve in your role. Having the Impact Team to assist you in any issues you may have and all the resources they provide makes everybody here feel comfortable on the job."

"The [climate crisis] is something that I definitely see and recognise is happening. I think providing jobs for young people in this type of industry is actually really good because personally it makes me feel good and I can go home and say. ‘Oh, I made a difference today’. Even if it was small, I did something."

"I once always did [a job] just for the money. Cause, like, money's good. I could put money away. Save, maybe have plans or do things I probably couldn't do before. But it's not just about the money at the end of the day. When I first started, it was about going out onsite, doing something, [being active]. But I enjoy working in a team, and taking on responsibilities that were not initially there."

"I think it's the best thing because (Good Cycles) hire people with what I've got – learning and other difficulties and that's great. That's what should be happening from the start. So, yes, I think [young people experiencing barriers] will come a long way especially with what they - Good Cycles - are doing."

"I feel that it will not be very common that women [will] see the job advertisement to do grouting on the street and [for] them to be like, "Ohh hell yeah!" No one really does but I feel like it's less likely for a woman to go for it…. This is something that I've definitely learned through [working at Good Cycles]: that is to take my space."

Good Cycles aims to have 30% of our staff within YEP, with all receiving adult wages and regular shifts. A combination of long-term employment and support builds confidence, stability, and networks, enabling Young People to continue to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Across our four divisions, we create meaningful jobs with a range of pathways, green jobs of the future and jobs that nurture communities to be cleaner, safer, and healthier. Most of our services use cargo and electric bikes as our primary mode of transport and our depots and offices are close to public transport.

Want to learn more about YEP or know a young person who may be interested in joining?

We welcome and encourage all chats about working together. Even if you aren’t sure if YEP is right for you, we would love to hear from you.

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"It was pretty hard because I was affected with COVID at my previous job, it was pretty hard to get another job... I had to go through quite a few interviews before I found this one. I was two years unemployed, so my experience in my resume didn't say that I'd been working for a long period of time."

"I've found that the work is fun and collaborative, which put me at ease on my first day. There’s a focus on keeping the workplace friendly while you learn on the job. When Good Cycles’ Impact Team contacted me for the first time, they made a good impression. They cared about my goals, and that motivated me to try my best on the job."

"My mum’s broken the cycle and now she does a lot of physical work which I think part of the way influenced me and my thinking that I can do it too, like I can do something. I don’t have to do it like everyone else. I don’t have to do retail or hospo."

"I like the routine. Coming to work every day. Obviously, building my savings. And just learning new things. It’s more learning new [things] and learning skills [that I need from employment]. [But also] the end goal is a house and stuff like that: I'm sort of saving up for a car."

"So far [having a job] is pretty important because I'm out and about. I'm active. [At Good Cycles] I actually enjoy what I'm doing. I've always kind of enjoyed the trades, just generally doing something."