The Out for Australia Career Academy is designed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in their career development. The program connects them with experienced professionals (mentors) who can offer guidance, advice, and support in navigating the workplace, career growth, and personal development.

Both mentors and mentees will have access to:

• A dedicated program manager to provide ongoing guidance and support.

• Networking opportunities for both mentors and mentees through exclusive online events and sessions.

• Resources such as professional development materials and access to online courses.

1. Register your interest – Fill out the form to get started.

   Organisations can register for their employees, or individuals can register for themselves.

2. Confirmation – Our Career Academy Program Manager will review your submission and confirm your place/s.

   • Organisations can nominate named participants or receive a unique code that enables employees to sign up confidentially.

3. Detailed registration – Participants will receive a follow-up form to provide more details about their career goals, interests, and mentoring preferences.

4. Personalised Matching – We will carefully match each mentee with an experienced mentor based on their needs and aspirations.

5. Program Kickoff! – Once matched, mentees and mentors connect, and the journey begins with tailored sessions delivered by the Program Manager.

• Mentees: LGBTQIA+ individuals at any stage in their career who are seeking professional guidance and support.

• Mentors: Anyone with professional experience who is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. We encourage mentors who identify as part of the community, and also welcome allies.

You must be based in Australia to participate.

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on several factors, including:

• Professional industry or career interests.

• Specific goals and aspirations of the mentee.

• The mentor’s experience and areas of expertise.

• Shared values related to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

We will ensure that the match is tailored to best support the development of the mentee.

• Mentees: The cost for mentees to participate in the program is $1,350 + GST. This fee covers the matching process, program resources, training, and support throughout the duration of the program. We encourage organisations to fund the participation of their employees. Individuals can also self-fund.

• Mentors: We are seeking mentors to volunteer their time for the program.

We are committed to making this program as accessible as possible. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to explore funding support from your employer.

Additionally, we are working with organisations to sponsor places for those facing additional barriers. While we can’t guarantee a sponsored spot, we encourage you to express your interest, and we’ll be in touch if opportunities become available. Please note sponsored places will be extremely limited.

The first 2026 cohort will run from January - June.

Approximate timing of the 2026 program is as follows:

• December 2025 – Mentees and mentors are matched.

• January – Welcome session facilitated by the Program Manager, setting the stage for a successful mentoring journey.

• January - March – Mentors and mentees participate in guided introductory sessions focused on goal-setting and building relationships.

• April - June – Regular mentor-mentee meetings take place, with access to:

  • Educational resources

  • Professional development opportunities, including Google Career Certificates

  • Ongoing support and check-ins from our Program Manager to ensure participants get the most out of the experience.

• June – Program closing session, celebrating achievements and reflecting on progress.

• Beyond the program – Graduates gain lifelong access to our alumni community and continued mentor support through our online platform.

Mentors are expected to:

• Commit time each month to meet with their mentee.

• Offer guidance, advice, and support to their mentee in relation to career goals, workplace challenges, and personal development.

• Share their professional knowledge, experiences, and insights.

Mentees are expected to:

• Be proactive in setting career goals and identifying areas they wish to work on.

• Engage with their mentor regularly and communicate their needs and progress.

• Participate in program events and training opportunities.

• Be open to receiving feedback and guidance from their mentor.

We are here to help! If you encounter any challenges or have questions during the program, our Program Manager and team will be available to offer guidance and support.

Our free Mentoring Platform is not going anywhere. Mentees and mentors can still sign up for free, and we remain committed to providing accessible mentorship opportunities for our community.

Our new Career Academy is an additional offering, designed as a more structured, tailored experience. It includes:

• Personalised mentor matching based on career goals and lived experience

• Exclusive educational and career development resources

• Access to internationally recognised training, including Google Career Certificates

• Dedicated program support and regular check-ins from a Program Manager

This paid program is not replacing our free platform but rather complementing it with additional resources for those who want a more structured development journey.

Please contact Chloe Rattray (she/they) at crattray@outforaustralia.org for more information.