For young people, getting a foot in the door can be one of the hardest parts of starting a career.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the youth unemployment rate was 10.7% in June 2026, more than double the national unemployment rate of 4.4%.

That is why we created the Larita Launch Employment Program, helping Larita Academy graduates move towards meaningful employment with greater preparation, connection and support.

On Wednesday 23 September, we will bring our graduates together for the 2026 Larita Launch Employment Program - Careers Day, hosted by Larita Academy Founder Anita Pahor and Co-Founder Larry Kestelman.

Exclusive to Larita graduates, the day will connect young people directly with employers, employment support and practical career preparation, including opportunities with LK Group businesses Brand Collective and Daniel’s Donuts.

Our inaugural Careers Day in 2025 gave graduates the opportunity to meet employers face-to-face, explore industries and build confidence navigating the world of work. 100% of participating graduates said the experience was informative and valuable, and 85% of graduates in attendance secured a role.

Larita Launch builds on that foundation. It is not simply about matching a young person with a job. It is about creating more equitable access to opportunity, preparing young people to take their next step, and supporting graduates and employers.

That also means preparing employers. At our 2025 Careers Day, participating LK Group employers took part in the Untapped Potential session, led by Dr Eamonn McCarthy (DFP, MAPS, FCFP), Chief Psychologist and Co-Founder of Mind Your Monkey. The session was designed to deepen employers’ understanding of the experiences of young people and provide practical tools to support safe, inclusive and supportive workplaces.

100% of employers were very satisfied with the training, while 80% strongly agreed they felt more confident and better informed to hire young people at risk.

By working with both graduates and employers, Larita Launch is helping create stronger beginnings, more sustainable employment pathways and greater equity of opportunity.