Creating connections
About
Founded in 2003, The Youth Partnership, formerly known as the Southern Sydney Business Education Network (SSBEN), is a not-for-profit organisation created to help young people successfully transition from school to work or further education.
What we offer
At the heart of our service offering is the Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Program, funded by the State of NSW through the Department of Education under the Structured Workplace Learning Program and in conjunction with the schools administered by the Catholic Education Commission NSW and the Association of Independent Schools of NSW.
Our tailored range of professional development programs help students find meaningful employment, allow employers to increase their resources and provide support for teachers.
Our vision
At The Youth Partnership, we provide opportunities for students to take the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and apply them in the real world of work.
Our vision is to be the leading organisation fostering opportunities for young people. We focus on creating connections between young people and the workforce. We aim to equip students with the best possible tools to help them stand out from the crowd.
Today’s youth will be tomorrow’s workforce; therefore, they must possess a strong foundation of job-ready skills and practical experience to build on.
Our journey
2003
Our journey begins!
In 2003, our services were limited to providing Structured Workplace Learning Services to schools in the Sutherland Shire only.
We expanded our services
We introduced additional programs, including ‘Career & Transition Support’ and the ‘Adopt a School Program.’
2006
2012
We outgrew our office
By 2012, our services had greatly expanded and it was time to relocate from the Miranda Regional Offices. The SSBEN found a new home in the modern offices at Sutherland Public School, which provided room to expand our facilities.
We formed the SSBEN
We united with the St George Workplace Learning Partnership and formed the SSBEN.
One year later, we joined with the Sydney Business Education Partnership, expanding our work placement services beyond the Shire, to high schools across Sydney.
2013
2015
We broadened our horizons
We were chosen as the successful tenderer for the NSW Government mentoring initiative “Youth Frontiers”.
2015 also saw our horizons broaden, as we introduced Career Transition Services, including mock interviews and RAW Industry tours.
We became 'The Youth Partnership'!
After a strategy and planning session with the SSBEN team, we thought it was time to re-brand and align our name with our purpose and show support to our key stakeholders "Youth".
In March 2021, the SSBEN became 'The Youth Partnership'.
2020
Our team
Diana Lang
CEO
As CEO of The Youth Partnership, I have been able to utilise the knowledge and experience gained from my 25+ years in the business world to grow our successful organisation to the stage where we place more than 6,000 young people in local work places each year.
As a keen supporter of local business networks, I am actively involved in organisations such as NSW Workplace Learning Network, Southern Strength Agile Manufacturing Network, Sutherland Shire Economic Development Committee, Work Placement Coordination Management Group and the Workplace Engagement Reference Group.
Sharyn May
Work Placement Manager
I enjoy travelling around Europe, feeding family and friends, and spending time at Callala Beach.
Nicole Crump
Business Development Manager
I love travelling and being in a job that gives back to the community. I am always trying to get the work life balance right while raising two fun-loving boys.
Samantha Mellor
Business Development Consultant
I’m a mum of two beautiful kids, who enjoys family vacations and balancing work and family life. I love seeing the impact working in education can make.
Remy Chatenay
Business Development Consultant
My passions are cooking, going on bush walks, the beach and entertaining guests. I love to spend time with my family, friends, and my Australian Bulldog Lola. Being in a role that is helping people is something I have always been drawn too.
Kaylee Bunyan
Business Development Assistant
I enjoy road trips, camping and exploring the NSW coast. I also love playing soccer and watching sports, AFL in particular.
Kelly Lang
Executive Assistant
I enjoy listening to music, going on relaxing walks through Camellia Gardens, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family (whether it’s in person or online!).
Lottie Le Riche - Smith
Office Trainee
I enjoy travelling, spending time with my friends and family, and exploring new cafes and restaurants around Sydney.
Cathryn Krause
Work Placement Team Leader
I am a proud and dedicated mum, raising awareness for Type 1 Diabetes and enjoying the wild ride of raising three young, energetic, sports-mad boys.
Kate Giatras
Work Placement Coordinator
I enjoy socialising, entertaining with friends and family and capturing memories to treasure forever, especially the holidays with my family.
Ingrid de Vries
Work Placement Coordinator
I enjoy gardening, cooking and socialising with family and friends. I also find time to plan adventures around this big country we live in.
Christine Parlett
Work Placement Coordinator
I love to start the day with a sunrise walk with my dog. I’m a keen photographer and love to capture all those special moments so my daughter will be able to look back in years to come and remember all the happy times.
Natalie Jones
Work Placement Assistant
I enjoy spending time with my family. We are usually listening to music in the back garden, going on bush walks, picnics or long road trips to new places.
Our board members
Greg Madigan
Chairperson (Employer)
Greg is a commercial and customer focused Chief Executive Leader who is successful in achieving business growth in highly competitive and complex markets.
Diana Lang
CEO and Public Officer
Diana is a passionate CEO and a keen supporter of local business networks who manages the operations, strategic direction and resources to continually grow The Youth Partnership.
Rebecca Wood
Treasurer (Sutherland Shire Council)
Rebecca is a strong community and social services professional, an experienced Manager who has a broad range of knowledge in Marketing and Management.
Lee Evans MP
(Local Member/Community)
Lee Evans is the local MP for the electorate of Heathcote whose work and life experience leads to a greater understanding of the people he represents.
Arthur Zigas
(NSW Department of Education)
Arthur promotes effective senior pathways for students and supports school staff to provide quality experience for all students in middle and senior years.
Steve Atherton
Deputy Chair (Employer)
Steve has held the positions of Director and CEO at several companies and has been a speaker and expert panel member in the manufacturing sector.
Mary Bancks
(Sydney Catholic Schools)
Innovative educator whose passion is providing young people with learning and training opportunities. Ensuring students have the skills and workplace experience to transition into successful personalised employment pathways
Robyn Williams
(Parents/Employer)
Robyn is an experienced and passionate Registered Nurse with a committed focus on Education and Research. More recently, Robyn has led and supported teams in both Clinical and Corporate Governance. Her passion is to ensure healthcare, through education, is a safe place for everyone.