Get Involved

A flexible research project for young people (18-25) from Geelong.

 

Are you aged 18 and 25 and currently live, work or study in the Geelong region (or maybe you did so in the past)?

We’d love to hear your story.

This research is about what it’s been like to be a young person growing up and navigating life during and since COVID – including your experiences of study, work, the cost of living, access to support, and how prepared you feel for the future.

Your perspective can help decision-makers better understand the realities young people are navigating right now.

About the project

This is a research study conducted by a graduate researcher from Deakin University.

Taking part involves one individual interview, lasting no more than one hour. The interview can be done online, or in person if you prefer.

The interview is a guided conversation about your experiences. There are no right or wrong answers, and you don’t need to prepare anything in advance.

Participation is completely voluntary. You can choose not to take part, skip any questions, or withdraw from the study at any time.

Project video

What will you get out of it?

This is a voluntary (unpaid) research opportunity. By taking part, you can:

  • Have your experiences heard and taken seriously
  • Contribute to research that aims to improve how young people are supported in education, training, and work
  • Help build a clearer picture of what life has been like for young people in Geelong during a period of major change

Some participants also find that reflecting on their experiences in an interview helps them make sense of where they’ve been and where they’re heading.

What we want to talk about

We are interested in hearing from young people with a range of experiences, not just those who have had a smooth path after school.

Some of the things we would like to talk about include:

  • Your experiences during and since COVID
  • The cost of living and how it affects your study, work, or plans
  • Accessing support services – what’s worked, what hasn’t
  • Feeling prepared (or not) for work, further study, or what comes next
  • What you feel hopeful or uncertain about when you think about the future

There’s no single “right” story. Your experience matters, whatever your journey looks like.

Who can get involved?

We are looking for people who:

  • Are aged 18–25
  • Currently live, work or study in the City of Greater Geelong, or who have done so in the past
  • Are from a range of backgrounds – studying, working, job hunting, or doing something else
  • Are comfortable taking part in an interview (online or in person)

Next Steps

Find out more by downloading the Plain Language Statement and Consent Form – youth participants

Take a short survey (3 – 5 mins) to check if you can participate: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_dp9b5M82gjf0DTo

 

We will contact you to discuss your involvement

REMEMBER: Participation is voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw at any time.

Still not sure?

Explore similar research projects and resources that focus on young people’s experiences during times of social and economic change.

Young People’s Sustainable Futures Lab

Young People’s Education and Employment Aspirations in Geelong

Questions?

Contact Danielle Flack (Student Investigator): s800407259@deakin.edu.au

This study has been approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference number: 2025/HE000353)