Cancer and its treatment detrimentally disadvantage young people’s education and career development, leading to poor educational attainment and under and unemployment compared to their peers.

Those diagnosed with cancer need evidence-based support to achieve education and employment outcomes, yet there is limited research in this area and few available interventions. By developing an Education Career Support program (ECS) for young people (YP) diagnosed with cancer, this project aims to improve outcomes for individuals with the potential for long-term flow-on effects for community and society.

ECS helps all cancer patients, aged 15-25 (during or post treatment) ECS consultants are trained career counsellors and provide different individual, needs based education, and career pathways.  One-to-one support sessions include recruitment skill building/resume writing/interview practice/job seeking, career planning, advocacy in the workplace, and support for employers and employees.  

“The benefits of the ECS service has been the development of my résumé and cover letter. ECS has helped me to better highlight the skills I already have to sell myself to a potential employer. To add on this, I have become more confident in what I can do in regard to work. Lastly, the regular check ins have meant a great deal to know that I am supported in getting paid work that I deserve.” - R – aged 25

“Through ECS, I have been able to build my knowledge around my future career pathway and in my education and has contributed to my reduced stress and anxiety levels associated with getting into a job or university. This is due to the support being provided direct and specific in helping me achieve my goals. I am extremely grateful for the support being provided to me as I am now more confident that I can achieve my goals for the future!” E – aged 17

“The world is a scary place, and it can be difficult to even know what certain pathways are available, and how to even get a foot in the door. For me, ECS has provided helpful methods in how to first pursue employment, as well as providing regular feedback on improvements to make. As someone who was quite clueless to this, having the resources to know how to look and apply for jobs is incredibly valuable. The encouragement has also been great as a motivator, and a way to build up courage. Without ECS, I doubt that I would have even been able to do half as much as I have now.” -  T - aged 25