Why are we still raising eyebrows at non-STEM career paths? Despite sophisticated workforce development strategies and extensive vocational education programs, only one in four young people feel adequately informed about their options. The barrier isn't lack of information. It's our stubborn prejudice that university is the only worthy pathway. Sparrowly Group's evaluation work across Australia reveals a critical gap between what we know works and how we actually support young people's futures. It's time to value all jobs and skills, not just the ones that fit our outdated expectations.

Why do we tend to overlook the value of being a conduit. Someone who connects ideas, people and opportunities. To many, it seems inconsequential, almost invisible. But those who understand this elusive skill know better. They look for it. They cultivate it. Because they understand that the ability to be a clear channel, the hinge, is both rare and vital.

I’ve spent time observing the faint hum of these intersections. The moments where insights emerge, collaborations spark and momentum begins. These are often quiet exchanges. The right introduction, a well timed nudge, an auditory echo that travels farther than the original speaker. And yet, so many people dismiss this work as trivial or secondary.

So, why do we undervalue this skill? And, perhaps more importantly, how do we place proper value on the role of the conduit? How do we ensure that the effectiveness and impact of this kind of work aren’t erased or overlooked?

Workforce development isn’t just about training people, it’s about strengthening communities, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth. Having authored an industry renowned paper on Career Pathways and working nation-wide across place-based workforce strategies, evaluation and program design we are serious about solutions for strengthening your community and economy. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever breaks down why workforce development matters and why it’s not just one entities responsibilitiy.

Submitting an award application is an amazing opportunity to get the recognition you deserve. Sparrowly Group’s Justine Sinclair shares her top 10 steps to being award ready so you can demonstrate your strengths and achievements.

Social science delves into the complex and intricate realm of human behaviour, society, and culture. But it can be overlooked by many or avoided as being something that is hard to understand, boring or something left to the experts. Yet, without realising it, we are using it, or discussing it in some shape or form in our everyday lives.

The VET sector will play a leading role in Australia’s future economy and workforce. Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno unpacks why and how in reflection of this year’s National Skills Week.

As human-like and amazing as it is, is ChatGPT just another techno fad that will follow the same fate as the likes of Google Wave or Clubhouse? Or is it the beginning of a completely new paradigm in everyday life – a disruption akin to the launch of the iPhone? Sparrowly Group’s Ben Lever explores where the opportunities lie.

Program evaluation is a crucial component of many government interventions, initially designed as pilot programs. Evaluating the successes and failures of a pilot enables highly informed decisions to be made about the program, whether it continues and scales up or not. What do you need to consider to ensure program evaluation is truly objective? Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno explains.

Our future workforce is staring at an uncertain future in the face of global crises. To adequately prepare young people, it requires new levels of collaboration between students, parents, schools and industry. We need to work together to advocate for new ways of supporting the education-to-workforce transition.

Sparrowly Group’s Managing Director Giovanna Lever shares her thoughts on ‘The Great Resignation’, commenting on the counterargument which focusses on a realignment of work/life balancing and providing inclusive, flexible workplaces.

This white paper on career pathways for the workforce for the future starts a meaningful and constructive discussion that is pegged to grow. It considers some of the current challenges alongside the growing opportunity to rebuild meaningful and impactful systems whereby we, as a society, can more effectively support young people and create a better workforce for the future.

According to The Salesforce State of Service Third Edition report, 47% of customers say they’ll stop buying from a company if they have a subpar experience. The number one reason customers leave or don’t return is that they feel undervalued. Sparrowly Group’s Avril Dunn explores this further.

Innovation...one of the key buzzwords in the business industry, but how many businesses actually know what it means and how to apply it? Hear what our intern Aidan Lam has to say about it.

Why do adults struggle to say those two powerful words - I'm sorry? Giovanna Lever reflects on key learnings from her ten year old for the work place.

Why do so many adults struggle with knowing their why? What happens between seven and adult hood? Giovanna Lever taps into this through her recent experience.

It is so important for people to take breaks in their daily life to remain productive. Hear how this has had an incredible impact on Giovanna Lever with her business, Sparrowly Group.

For small business owners it is important to create connections. Giovanna Lever shares her tips on how to create genuine two-way value in your business relationships.

Do you invest enough time into your professional growth? Giovanna Lever shares her insights into helpful learning opportunities that will continue to help you grow in your career.

Fear is inevitable at some point in our lives. Hear what our guest blogger Jane Faulkner has to say about fear and ways to overcome it for your small business operations

Most women are proud of their multi-tasking abilities but are they causing themselves unnecessary stress by trying to handle too many things at once? Giovanna Lever provides her perspective on this.