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The Skill Engineer Ltd.’s ‘Digi Van – Youth Voices’ project captured the remarkable stories of 24 young people from across the Central Coast, NSW Region. Using the Digi Van, a multimedia mobile unit equipped with broadcasting, podcasting, and sound mixing technology, the project traveled across the region to empower youth to create digital content that amplifies their voices and represents their community.

One of the participants, Neo, a talented young musician and aspiring filmmaker, shared their creative process. “I make music and love watching movies,” Neo explained. “The way I envision the relationship between movies and music is by listening to a song I really like. In the back of my head, I’ll gather a scene and build a story, characters, and a plot.” Reflecting on their connection to the Central Coast, Neo added, “I’ve seen lots of bad aspects of the Coast, and that brings out a very artistic side of me. It gets me emotional because I care. I care so much about the environment and the world we live in, and I want all the art I make to express that care. And hopefully, get other people to care about it as much as I do.”

Another participant, Christopher, a cosplay and prop maker, shared his passion for creating intricate costumes. “I’ve been a cosplay and prop maker for six years,” Christopher said. “I played video games as a kid and loved Majora’s Mask, especially the big guy with the giant elaborate mask. I looked into how I could make one, and for three years, I made elaborate paper masks, experimenting with different materials. Now, I’m into 3D printing and make 3D replicas. I love seeing people’s reactions to the masks I make and the costumes I put on. It’s my dream to work on mask projects and have my work recognised.”

Ashlee, another participant, started her own swimwear brand, Sandi Rose Designs, at the age of 15 and has since turned it into a successful business. Now 17, she shared, “I’ve always been passionate about swimwear and the beach. Starting my own business was challenging, especially being brave enough to post on social media despite the bullying I’ve experienced. My dream is to get my brand out there.”

These unique stories are just a few of the inspiring narratives captured in the ‘Youth Voices’ project. The stories are then broadcast on The Skill Engineer Ltd.’s YouTube channel and social media accounts. The Digi Van has been instrumental in improving inclusivity and access to community activities for young people. It was strategically positioned in isolated areas of the Central Coast, such as North Lakes, Lake Munmorah, and Lake Haven, where transport is limited and services are under-resourced.

By bringing the Digi Van to these locations, the project removed transportation barriers and provided direct access to digital broadcasting, skills development, and mentoring. The workshops, led by professional mentors, offered valuable training and support. Free resources, including equipment and catering, ensured that even the most marginalized young people could participate. 

The ‘Digi Van – Youth Voices’ project has not only provided a platform for young people to share their stories but has also empowered them to explore their talents and passions in a supportive environment.

The Skill Engineer Ltd. hosted a celebration of the Youth Voices project where youth and project contributors were invited to celebrate the 20 unique stories. The event was hosted on 16 July 2024 and was a huge success.

This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program.

Have a look at our selected 20 best Youth Voices Stories produced for the Tell Your Story Competition.

https://www.youtube.com/@skilledcreative

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6sWvqetZRg&list=PLET68eBfY1vBaPjqyf75YJPQpkXYt-RK3

OR visit our Digi Van Instagram acocunt: www.instagram.com/digivan.cc

The Skill Engineer Ltd. in Broome, WA, transforms lives with hands-on training, but its program faces critical funding challenges threatening its future.

In Broome, Western Australia, The Skill Engineer Ltd. is transforming the lives of youth involved in the criminal justice system and those with poor school attendance

In less than 12 months, this unique social enterprise has reshaped the futures of 60 participants through hands-on engineering, rural skills training, bush barber services, and a vibrant youth-led coffee shop.

CEO of The Skill Engineer Ltd., Maggie MacFie, explains, “Our participants include non-school attenders and street-present youth, some of whom, although enrolled, have not attended school for up to two years. Many face challenges such as homelessness, domestic violence, drug and substance abuse, and household overcrowding.”

“Of the 60 participants from 2023 to 2024, 25% secured full-time or part-time employment, another 25% returned to school, and the rest benefit from Transition to Work and Reconnect initiatives or alternate learning options such as TAFE.”

“Through pastoral care, wrap-around support, and engagement in projects like crafting their own e-scooter and developing vocational skills, we have achieved staggering success.”

“What began as a program to re-engage youth in education post-COVID-19 has highlighted the need for meaningful activities for hundreds of Broome youth needing extra support to improve their prospects outside traditional educational models.”

Despite its success, The Skill Engineer Ltd. faces a critical challenge due to short-term and insufficient funding, jeopardising the social and economic outcomes for at risk youth in the region.

“As our current funding ends in 2025, we are actively seeking additional support to sustain and expand our efforts,” she adds. “Without sustainable funding, we cannot continue to run this valuable program.”

“We know it works. We’re witnessing firsthand the impact on our participants, some of whom haven’t left their homes in up to six months but now attend daily.”

“We’re actively engaging with their families, coming in contact with cousins and siblings also at home or on the streets, desperately needing meaningful activities and the right support services to enhance their well-being and increase their social and civic participation,” explains MacFie.

The Skill Engineer Ltd. currently relies on funding from small grants and philanthropic donations to run its program and is actively seeking additional funds to continue in 2025. Enrolments for 2024 are full, with many participants on the waiting list.

For more information, or for an interview with program participants or CEO please contact Charlotte Dickie on 0432 806 041 or charlotte.dickie@theskillengineer.com.au.