Employer Innovation Lab

By your side, from idea to implementation

The Employer Innovation Lab is a groundbreaking initiative empowering organisations to address workforce challenges and harness young potential by providing careers, not just jobs.

Our expert team will partner with successful applicants over 12 months to take workforce pilot initiatives from idea to implementation. Incorporating youth voices and community networks, participating employers can address immediate talent gaps and nurture long-term growth.

Who is eligible?

We welcome any organisations who currently, or could potentially, provide employment opportunities for young people. The Lab is especially ideal for employers looking to diversify recruitment streams, those open to hiring young people from diverse backgrounds, and those committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

How do I apply?

Participation in the Lab is free, thanks to generous philanthropic support. Start by submitting the EOI form below. We only select 8-10 businesses per Lab, prioritising early applicants. After submitting, our team assess your eligibility. Following internal approval, sign an offer of participation and complete our diagnostic tool.

What is involved?

The program starts with a 2-day workshop examining the youth employment sector. Together with youth consultants, you then co-develop a tailored pilot. After the workshop, SVA provides a year of pro-bono expert coaching to implement workshop pilots, opportunities for deeper collaboration with community partners, engagement with our network, and thought leadership events.

What happens after?

Post-Lab, we guide you in scaling your pilot or finding more youth engagement opportunities. We collaborate to collect data and create a case study for internal or public use. You join our alumni network for continuous engagement. Outstanding employers may be offered the opportunity to continue collaborating with SVA as models of best practice.