BUSY GRIT – Girls Rising Into Trades
Empowering young women in Logan and Cairns to break cycles of disadvantage through mentoring, life skills and sustainable trade career pathways.
About the BUSY GRIT Program
BUSY GRIT is a targeted 10-week early intervention program designed specifically for young women aged 14–17 who are disengaged from education and at risk of early justice involvement. Through individualised mentoring, life skills development and hands-on trade career exposure, we address social disadvantage and reduce criminogenic risk factors whilst inspiring sustainable futures.
Delivered under the Queensland Government’s Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support kickstarter grant, from February 2026, BUSY GRIT will support 120 young women across Logan and Cairns. Each community will run four cohorts of up to 15 participants (60 per location), with every cohort completing a structured 10-week program.
Locations: Logan City and Cairns
Intakes: Four 10-week programs annually
The aim of BUSY Grit is to re-engage young women through skills, education and employment in the trades sector.
What BUSY GRIT Offers
Individualised Support
- Personalised assessment and action plans
- Weekly one-to-one mentoring
- Culturally responsive support
- Referrals to health, housing, and family services
Life Skills Development
- Communication and teamwork workshops
- Resilience and decision-making training
- Goal setting and barrier management
- Positive peer relationships
Trade Career Pathways
- Trade tasters and industry site visits
- White Card accreditation
- PPE provision
- Connections to female role models and employers
Post-Program Support
- Three months of mentor check-ins
- Ongoing career pathway support
- Reinforcement of behavioural change
- Continuous evaluation and feedback
Expected Outcomes
BUSY GRIT targets measurable improvements across four key Youth Justice outcomes:
Primary Goals
✓ Emotional Regulation: Participants develop healthy coping strategies to appropriately manage emotions
✓ Accountability: Young women accept responsibility for their actions and choices
✓ Education Commitment: 80% demonstrate improved school attendance and engagement
✓ Positive Connections: Building lasting relationships with supportive adults and mentors
Referral Pathways
We accept referrals from:
- Local schools and TAFEs
- Youth justice agencies
- Queensland Police Service
- Child Safety services
- Youth organisations
Working with Community
BUSY GRIT works collaboratively with industry leaders and community organisations to provide comprehensive support:
- Mabel Park High School – Programme referrals
- National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) – Workshops and support
- Trades Women Australia (TWA) – Mentoring and presentations
- Carpentry Australia – Trade tasters and apprenticeships
- Aussie Painters Network – Trade tasters and apprenticeships
- SQUAD Women Can Too – Training and career pathways
- SMART Apprenticeship Solutions – Training and career support