Preparing Young People for the Real World: A Holistic Approach

You might have started to notice a bit of a theme in what we do at EDU Engage — we’re passionate about helping education actually prepare people for the real world.

The Challenge of Transitioning to Adulthood

Recently, I was working with a high school on the Gold Coast. We were developing resources and tools — all the usual course materials. But the real conversation wasn’t about documents or templates. It was about something much bigger:

How do we make it easy and safe for young people to move into the real world?

It’s not as straightforward as it sounds. Governments have plenty of rules — some great, some that just add more paperwork. But even beyond the systems, there’s this constant challenge:

A principal friend of mine once said, “The hardest part about helping young people move into industry is that industry doesn’t think like schools — and schools don’t think like industry.”

That’s so true. Schools often build environments that make sense inside their walls — structured days, clear expectations, and lots of guidance. Then, one day, students leave that world and walk into adulthood — and suddenly everything feels unfamiliar.

Personal Experiences with Transition

I’ve had three kids go through that transition. Each one of them, in their own way, found it challenging to adjust. I’ve seen the same thing happen with my friends’ kids too.

It makes me wonder — how is it that we can spend 15 to 18 years in an environment designed to prepare young people for life, yet when they step into that life, they often feel like foreigners?

Now, this isn’t a criticism of schools — there’s incredible work happening in education every day. But I do think it’s worth asking ourselves some deeper questions.

Essential Life Skills for Young People

If you’re running a school, youth outreach, or church program — how are you preparing young people for real life?

Do they know how to:

• Manage money?

• Run a household?

• Buy and look after their first car?

• Build healthy relationships?

• Serve and contribute to their community?

• Find a job?

• Build a business?

  
  

Service — that sense of giving back — should be part of every environment where young people gather.

The Importance of Community Involvement

I help coach a women’s rugby league team here in Queensland called Normanby Hounds. One of my favourite things is watching our players help out with the juniors. They do it with such joy, passion, and energy — not because they have to, but because they want to. They see the bigger picture: the importance of lifting others and passing on what they’ve learned.

That’s what real-world learning looks like. It’s not just about lessons or skills — it’s about connection, contribution, and confidence.

Making Education Relevant

When young people get a taste of that, education suddenly makes sense. It becomes alive, relevant, and full of purpose. Because at the end of the day, education shouldn’t just prepare you for life — it should prepare you in life.

The Role of Mentorship

Mentorship plays a crucial role in this process. Young people benefit immensely from having mentors who guide them through the complexities of life. These mentors can be teachers, coaches, or community leaders. They provide support and encouragement, helping youth navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Building Resilience

Another key aspect of preparing young people for the real world is fostering resilience. Life is full of ups and downs. Teaching young people how to bounce back from setbacks is essential. We can do this by encouraging them to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences.

Lifelong Learning

Education should also instill a love for lifelong learning. The world is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt is crucial. By encouraging curiosity and a desire to learn, we equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Collaboration with Industry

Collaboration between educational institutions and industry is vital. Schools should engage with local businesses to create opportunities for internships and work experience. This exposure helps students understand the realities of the workplace and develop the skills needed to succeed.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, let’s commit to transforming education. We must ensure that it prepares young people not just for exams, but for life. By focusing on real-world skills, community involvement, mentorship, resilience, and collaboration, we can create a generation that is ready to thrive.

Are you ready to make a difference? Let’s work together to create an educational experience that truly prepares young people for the challenges and opportunities of the real world!