Real work, real difference
Accredited, supervised, and free
Bytes & Biscuits gives secondary students in East Gippsland federally accredited volunteer experience, professional references, and real community impact - fully supported, fully supervised, and free. Take part as a whole class or place individual students for work experience. We handle everything - training, supervision, delivery and program support.
Who is this for?
Bytes & Biscuits suits students in Years 9 to 12 who are comfortable with everyday technology and want experience working with people. No teaching background required - just patience, friendliness, and a willingness to explain things clearly.
It is a natural fit for students interested in healthcare, education, aged care, social work or IT - but the skills transfer everywhere. We currently work with schools across East Gippsland including Bairnsdale Secondary College, Nagle Catholic College and Bairnsdale Christian College.
Two approaches, one program
However your school is set up, there is a way in. Schools take part in one of two ways - as a whole class, or by placing individual students with us for work experience. Both use the same accredited training and the same supported delivery.
1. Whole class involvement
Bring an entire class through the program together as a structured unit of work. It is a natural fit for VCE VM (Vocational Major) and applied learning cohorts, where community engagement and work-related skills are part of the curriculum.
We train the whole class together over one or more days, depending on your cohort. Students then deliver structured digital support to older community members, face to face and through supported e-learning, with a Lead Digital Mentor guiding every session. Delivering online as well as in person is what makes the program scalable right across East Gippsland, reaching older locals even in geographically isolated towns.
Best for
- VCE VM and applied learning classes
- Community service and work-related learning units
- Schools wanting a whole-cohort experience with clear outcomes
2. Work experience for individual students
Place one student, or a handful, with us on an ongoing basis. They complete the same Digital Mentor training, then contribute regular volunteer hours across the term or year - at their own pace, around their timetable.
It is ideal for students seeking structured work experience, community service hours, or a genuine reference. They build real communication and teaching skills, and walk away with accredited certification and documented hours.
Best for
- Individual students needing work experience placements
- Students chasing community service or volunteer hours
- Young people who want a reference and real experience
What the program involves
Whichever approach you choose, participation has two parts. First, students complete Digital Mentor training delivered by ESports Collective using Good Things Australia's nationally recognised curriculum - how to explain technology clearly, support older learners patiently, and navigate the Be Connected content. Training takes one day, at ESports Collective or at your school.
Then, when ready, students deliver one-on-one or small group support to older community members (50+) - video calling, online banking, MyGov, smartphone basics. Sessions run at ESports Collective, at your school, or at partner venues across East Gippsland. Students are never unsupported - a Lead Digital Mentor is with them throughout, in person where we can be and connected online when sessions run in more isolated places.
What makes this easy for schools
We have designed this to put as little on your plate as possible. Here is what that looks like in practice.
For coordinators
- Free - no cost to the school or students
- Flexible delivery - at your school, at ESports Collective, or in the community
- Timetable-friendly - sessions work around school calendars and term dates
- We provide lunch during training days
- Fulfils community service and work-related learning requirements
- Regular progress reporting available on request
- Students can take part for a full year or dip in and out based on availability
Ready to go, or just exploring?
Register your school's interest and we will take it from there - no commitment required.