SYC

"He's a huge part of why I'm qualified today."

That's how former Building Links student Hunter describes SYC Construction Trainer Chris.

Now a qualified carpenter at 21, Hunter credits Chris with recognising his passion for the trade and helping guide him towards the career he has built.

Through SYC's Building Links and Build Your Career programs, Chris works alongside young people as they develop practical construction skills, build confidence and take steps towards their future.

For Chris, the most rewarding part of the role is seeing where students end up.

From completing qualifications to securing apprenticeships and building careers in the industry, Chris has seen firsthand the difference these programs can make for young people.

Read the full story: https://www.syc.net.au/news/helping-young-people-build-their-future-in-construction

Pictured: Construction Trainer Chris working alongside a Building Links student.
RTO Code: 40053

Meet Keira, a young artist taking part in our SALA exhibition this year, Our Voice, Our Way.

Keira is a proud First Nations woman with family ties to the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges. She has been creating art for four years, working with acrylic paints, digital, raffia and emu feathers.

Her talent has been recognised through multiple school and community art awards, including being named the 2024 Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year with Young Change Agents.

For Keira, art is a way to start conversations and share First Nations culture. It helps her stay connected to her identity and express who she is.

Keira lives independently at HYPA Housing, one of SYC’s housing programs. She has recently graduated from high school, secured work and is now saving for a car and working towards getting her P’s.

This is Keira’s first year participating in SALA and she is excited to share her culture and her art with SYC and the wider community.

For more information about our SALA event, visit https://www.syc.net.au/news/sala2026

As National Reconciliation Week has now concluded, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme, All In.

Throughout the week, our teams took part in a range of events and activities to reflect, learn and celebrate First Nations cultures, histories and achievements.

We were proud to attend the Reconciliation SA National Reconciliation Breakfast and support Children’s Ground’s Wear It Yellow campaign, while teams across our sites came together in their own ways to recognise the week through conversation, reflection and learning.

This years theme reminds us that reconciliation requires all of us to listen, learn and be part of the change.

In case you missed it, we now offer Standard Mental Health First Aid training!

Delivered by our experienced team, this practical training supports participants in recognising, understanding, and responding to someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Refresher courses are also available.

We have spots available in our upcoming courses on 23 & 24 June and 25 & 26 June.

To learn more or enrol, visit https://enrol.syc.net.au/course-details/?course_id=106307&course_type=w

For enquiries, contact [email protected]

As National Reconciliation Week comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the significance of Mabo Day and the legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo.

His fight for land rights led to the 1992 Mabo decision, which overturned the myth of terra nullius and recognised the connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country.

Marked each year on 3 June, Mabo Day is a time to acknowledge this important moment in Australia’s history, and to recognise the ongoing journey towards justice, truth-telling and reconciliation.

While we recognise how far we’ve come, we also acknowledge there is more to be done.

Last week, SYC proudly hosted Careers Without Limits, our First Nations Careers and Employment Pathways Showcase on Kaurna Country.

The event brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and school leavers with employers, training providers, government agencies and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to explore career pathways.

With 40 exhibitors and more than 130 registered attendees from across Adelaide, the day created space for meaningful conversations and connection.

Throughout the showcase, SYC's First Nations Apprenticeships team connected with attendees and employers to promote apprenticeship and traineeship pathways and share the culturally responsive support available through our First Nations Specialist Apprentice Connect Australia service. Our Aboriginal Employment Mentor team was also on hand, supporting participants in connecting with employers and exploring opportunities aligned with their goals.

Thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited and contributed to making Careers Without Limits such a welcoming and culturally grounded event. Special thanks to Ochre Dawn for providing apparel packs for our lucky door-prize winners and to Inchim Anyany for the thoughtful thank you gifts.

At SYC, we are committed to creating pathways that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in pursuing their goals, building on their strengths, and accessing education, training, and employment opportunities that lead to long-term success and wellbeing.

Read more: https://www.syc.net.au/news/careers-without-limits-first-nations-employment-showcasein

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week.

Each year, this week invites all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements and consider the role we each play in reconciliation.

This year’s theme, All In, is a clear call to action. Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alone. It requires all of us to step forward and be part of the change.

At SYC, that means continuing to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, creating culturally safe workplaces and working alongside communities in ways that are led by and responsive to them.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.