Young people without university degrees, or who face other challenges, are so often locked out of great corporate jobs. Now that is changing.
The King’s Trust Australia has officially joined the 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge as part of the NSW Digital Skills & Workforce Compact, committing alongside new partners to open non-traditional, skills-first entry points into Australia’s growing digital economy.
The initiative brings together 74 leading organisations across government, industry, and community including major global and local tech leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Accenture, HP, Cognizant, and FUJIFILM who are pledging that at least 20% of entry-level digital roles will be recruited from non-traditional pathways, bypassing rigid tertiary degree requirements.
For the young people backed by The King’s Trust Australia, this commitment is a direct investment in their untapped potential.
“Every day, we see incredible drive, talent, and energy in the young people we work with, but traditional hiring practices too often lock out brilliant candidates simply because they haven’t walked a conventional path,” said Michelle Endacott, CEO of The King’s Trust Australia. “When young people are met with genuine opportunity and respect for their lived experiences, both they and the workforce thrive. By joining the 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge, we are ensuring that potential, not barriers, defines a young person’s future, connecting them with the skills, community, and real-world opportunities to succeed on their terms.”
Transforming Futures Through Get Into Tech
The Pledge directly aligns with The King’s Trust Australia’s employment initiative run in collaboration with Rise by Talent, Get Into Tech. This ten-week programme was designed to break down systemic barriers for young women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
By combining practical technical training, professional career development and supportive workplace preparation, Get Into Tech creates a clear bridge into the digital sector.
By connecting directly with mainstream tech leaders and employers committed to the 20% Pledge, the programme ensures these young Australians transition directly into long-term, sustainable roles: proving that alternative pathways build stronger, more inclusive workforces.
