UpSKills

I can’t be the only one who walked away from my 14 years of schooling full of knowledge about Pythagoras theorem, how to safely use a Bunsen burner or how to play the recorder.

But one day my lengthened education had been struck. I had just turned 22 years old and my partner and I had begun the process of purchasing our first ever home. How exciting!

However, after talking to the bank, reading contracts and meeting with real estate agents, all of a sudden, these foreign words were popping out in front of me and my mind instantly went fuzzy!

Home loan? Interest rates? House mortgage? Mortgages fees? What even are these? Was I supposed to know?

After having conversations with those around me, I realised that no, I didn’t miss that subject at school. These important life skills and knowledge were not taught in the classroom yet are a part of so many peoples life’s. Why not?

Infographic by Jess Webster

Well folks, this is why I present to you with UpSkills.

UpSkills is my side hustle that I have been working on behind closed doors for almost 2 years now. My mission is to not change, but instead enhance the education system by preparing young adults and students for the real world with real life skills.

Ask yourself, at school did you have the opportunity to…

- Learn the essentials of succeeding a job interview

- Understand the process of buying property

- Practice gratitude every day to improve your mental health

- Learn how to communicate with people around you who struggle mentally

- Learn the importance of body positivity and self love

- Learn how to change your car tyre

- Learn self defence

- Learn how to cook nutritious meals to improve your health

The list could go on. But if you found yourself answering ‘no’ to each of those, never fear UpSkills is here.

UpSkills is a health and mindfulness retreat with a twist. No, it is not a retreat to see how much weight you can lose in a week or how many times a day you can meditate for. It is simply providing young adults with an opportunity to understand the real world, whilst improving their wellness and knowledge.

UpSkills travels around Australia, visiting local and rural high schools to host real life-skill workshops.

For the young adults who no longer attend high school, UpSkills offers a retreat experience in incredible destinations across Australia for you to attend. How could you say no to jet setting off up to the northern Australian beaches with your best mate or your brother or sister, to hang out for 4-5 days and relax, LEARN and have fun!

Infographic by Jess Webster

Let me give you a quick insight into what you will expect to find at UpSkills.

UpSkills covers a range of topics regarding mental health, mindfulness, body image, healthy cooking, exercise, spirituality and soooo many more!

Let’s take a look at the topic of mental health.

In today’s society mental health has become more important than ever and is a topic that effects an individual’s life from childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Here’s a fact for you. Did you know that 75% of mental health problems in Australia occur in individuals before the age of 25? That’s only 7 years after leaving high school! What!

Why is mental health not thoroughly focused on in the education system and teaching students’ tools to overcome these problems?

Imagine if mental health was strictly embedded into a students education. They would graduate school with tools used for coping mechanisms and will understand how to help and protect others, whilst raising awareness.

At UpSkills, participants will learn new skills regarding mental health. It may be as simple as learning to practice gratitude everyday, by writing what you are grateful for in your journal. Or advice on how to communicate with people around you who are struggling.

What about self defence?

Perhaps you feel a bit off edge walking alone in the dark at night time. I don’t blame you! Imagine taking self defence lessons and learning how to overcome that fear.

Yes, it is as easy as that. But they are things that you are not taught at school, yet they are crucial to living a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.

If you, someone around you or your high school would be interested in implementing UpSkills into your life, head on over to www.upskills.com.au or follow us on our socials!

Happy by MBB (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Its Okay by Dan Castro (CC-BY)

Home Loan Tips for You by Magdiel Mayora (CC-BY)

Infographic 1 by Jess Webster

Infographic 2 by Jess Webster

Infographic 3 by Jess Webster