Training and skills

An image of young apprentice training in the kitchen

Empowerment. Experience. Independence.

Opportunities for training and building your skills can make a real difference to your future.

Real Futures is a leader in creating real change and real growth for Mob across Australia, delivering proven programs that support your ideas, energy and ability, enriching lives and enabling freedom of choice.

Making sure you get the right kind of training and skills development opportunities is a big part of what we do.

A guaranteed job, plus training to make sure you succeed

Real Futures operates Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTECs) in regional NSW and Western Sydney, as well as in Geraldton and the Pilbara in WA, and in Darwin, NT.

VTECs are places where people who want to work meet employers who want to hire them. It’s a voluntary program – you can choose to sign up for it. And if you are working with a Workforce Australia provider, our VTEC services will work alongside them.

Our staff will talk to you about what you need to do to start a new job. They will help you with any difficulties you may have, and support you into that job when you’re ready.

The key feature of VTECs is the guarantee of a job before job-specific training starts.

How VTEC can work for you

Real Futures VTECs are all about:

community engagement

work readiness
vocational training
guaranteed jobs
post-placement support

What this means for you

For you, this means:

Being introduced to potential employers: It’s our job to engage with the employers in your community and find out what they need, so we can offer guaranteed jobs to the right employees – like you!

Getting ready, your way: We make sure we get to know you, your dreams and your aspirations, as well as your family, community, customs and Country commitments, to help you overcome any barriers and match you with an employer’s expectations.

Being properly trained: Once we match you with a job, you’ll be trained to do it, so you’ll have the right skills to meet your employer’s needs. This might involve undertaking a full certificate or diploma course, a series of short courses, a traineeship or apprenticeship.

Knowing you will have a job when you’re ready: Your commitment is rewarded with guaranteed employment.

Ongoing support: After you start your job, one of our specially trained Reach Out Officers (ROOs) will stay in touch for the next 26 weeks (around six months) to make sure everything keeps going well.

73% of our aspirants are satisfied or highly satisfied with the overall quality of service.

(industry average 61% – DESE PPM survey)

How to access VTEC support

VTECs are open to First Nations job seekers and school leavers, especially if you are experiencing particular disadvantage.

Real Futures VTECs are located in Newcastle, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Western Sydney, as well as in Geraldton and Karratha/Pilbara in WA, and in Darwin NT.

Explore our locations and sign up

Skills development is also a big part of our other programs

Find out more about training opportunities through our:

Community Development Program in remote regions
Services for people living with disability
Women’s Business Second Chance Hub.
An image of a Real Futures staff member

Want to know more?

Give us a call for a yarn
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Real Futures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
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