Kickstart Graduate Program
The Kickstart Graduate program is an exclusive professional development program for local Gold Coast businesses, who wish to invest in the future growth of their recently employed graduates, and fast-track their transition into the workplace.
The program is designed to provide graduates with the practical workplace skills and resources to build their effectiveness in their organisation and is endorsed by the City of Gold Coast. Participants receive varied training through experiential learning, practical and interactive workshops, coaching from executive and career co-facilitators, and completion of a significant workplace project.
Our program consists of half-day workshops over 11 sessions from March each year, and includes guest speakers from local Gold Coast businesses. Through a core focus of building connection, personal communication styles and identifying strengths via DISC profiling, coupled with collaborative opportunities to unpack the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, graduates identify and enhance personal and operational areas for growth and professional development.
Program Highlights
2025 Program Details
|
SESSION |
SESSION TITLE |
DATE & TIME | VENUE |
|
1 |
Kickstart! Welcome and Program Navigation - For participants and managers. |
Friday 21 March 1pm – 4pm |
|
|
2 |
Being great at what you do! Discover your Professional Identity. |
Thursday 24 April 9am – 12pm |
Gold Coast Council Chambers, HOTA Precinct |
|
3 |
Networking Event – Careers After Dark |
Thursday 15 May 9am – 12pm |
Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara |
|
4 |
Communication and collaboration. |
Friday 23 May 9am – 12pm |
Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport |
|
5 |
Sustainability in action. |
Friday 20 June 9am – 12pm |
Neumann Steel, Currumbin |
|
6 |
Resilience and mental fitness. |
Friday 18 July 9am – 12pm |
Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport |
|
7 |
Influence and impact. |
Friday 15 August 9am – 12pm |
Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport |
|
8 |
Your career story. |
Friday 12 September 9am – 12pm |
Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport |
|
9 |
Disruptive change – technology, innovation and adaptability. |
Friday 10 October 9am – 12pm |
Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct |
|
10 |
Presenting and communicating with confidence. |
Friday 31 October 9am – 12pm |
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre |
|
11 |
Kickstart final event: Work project presentations - for participants and managers. |
Friday 14 November 9am – 12pm |
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre |
The program cost is $425 + GST per participant. The actual value/cost of delivery is over $1,000 per participant but the remainder of the cost is subsidised by Study Gold Coast.
Program Eligibility
- Open to all Gold Coast businesses, of any size and from any industry
- Eligible graduates can be from Degree or Non-Degree qualifications across all industries and disciplines. Who have completed their studies within the last 2 years or be due to complete by 30 June 2024 (studies can include tertiary and vocational education or training)
- Maximum two participants per employer unless previously arranged with Study Gold Coast
- Participant must have commitment from line manager (manager is involved in first session, last session and receives updates throughout the course of the program)
Have a question? Contact us at [email protected] or phone 07 5556 6102
Meet the Kickstart Team
Sam is a qualified career development practitioner with a background in strategic human resource management. Her area of expertise is in supporting people through key career transition periods, professional career counselling and graduate development.
She is a professional member of the Career Development Association (CDAA) and a director on the board of NAGCAS, the National Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services (NAGCAS). Sam is very excited to be almost about to complete her PhD, a topic exploring graduate employment in Australia. She loves the Kickstart program and is a passionate advocate for developing the talent on the Gold Coast.
Natalie Moloney is a qualified Career Practitioner, supported by a solid background in human resource management generalist roles across varying industries. Natalie brings well developed skills in a broad range of HRM and career development functions, and her diverse knowledge and skill set provides a strong foundation to support others to plan and achieve career development goals.
Natalie is committed to helping others to thrive in their careers and achieve fulfillment from their work. She has a strong passion for workshop facilitation, and is energised by helping others learn and grow. Natalie is tertiary qualified with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development, and a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM). She is also a Professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia.
