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
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 kickstart@experiencegoldcoast.com or phone 07 5556 6102
MEET THE TEAM
Samantha Kilmartin
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. LINKEDIN
Natalie Moloney
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. LINKEDIN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.