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

2024 Program Details

SESSION

DATE & TIME VENUE SESSION TITLE

1

Friday 01 March 

1pm – 4pm

Panorama Room, HOTA 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Kickstart! Welcome and Program Navigation - For participants and managers. 

2

 Friday 22 March

9am – 12pm

Gold Coast Council Chambers (in the HOTA precinct)

Being great at what you do! Discover your Professional Identity.

3

 Friday 19 April

9am – 12pm

TBC (Site Visit)

Sustainability in action.

4

Friday 17 May

9am – 12pm

Australian Pacific College

Communication and collaboration. 

5

Friday 14 June

9am – 12pm

Australian Pacific College

Resilience and mental fitness. 

6

Friday 12 July

9am – 12pm

Australian Pacific College

Influence and impact. 

7

Friday 9 August

9am – 12pm

Australian Pacific College

Your Career story

8

Friday 06 September

9am – 12pm

 

Southern Cross University 

Disruptive change – technology, innovation and adaptability. 

Wednesday 18 September

5pm – 8pm

TBC

Networking event

10

 Friday 04 October

9am – 12pm

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Presenting and communicating with confidence. 

11

Friday 25 October

9am – 12pm

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre   

Kickstart Final Event: Work Project Presentations - for participants and managers.

 

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