About Dropout
We're an Australian charity on a mission to turn early school leaving into a stepping stone, not a dead end.
Our mission
Every young Australian deserves a fair shot at a meaningful career. We exist to bridge the gap between leaving school early and landing a job that lasts.
Our values
No judgement. No shortcuts. Real support, real skills, and real relationships with employers who see potential where others see a gap in a resume.
Our team
Career coaches, industry mentors, former tradies, social workers, and employer liaison officers — all focused on one thing: getting you hired.
Where we work
Headquartered in Melbourne with outreach programs in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional centres across Australia.
Why this matters
Around one in five Australian students don't finish Year 12. For many, it's not about ability — it's about circumstances. Family responsibilities, mental health challenges, bullying, financial pressure, or simply not finding school relevant.
Without a pathway to work, these young people face higher rates of unemployment, lower lifetime earnings, and poorer health outcomes. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Dropout was founded by young people and concerned adults who saw a disconnect: young people with drive and practical talent, and industries desperate for workers, but no bridge between them. We're just getting started — and building the program the right way.