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Youth Opportunities

As we develop both the YWAM Precinct in Townsville, Australia and the Jetty Campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, our great desire is to help young people like you to come alive in your purpose, to grow in your character and skill, all while making great friends, having fun, and a place to belong.

Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

Work experience opportunities could include:

Hospitality

We provide accommodation and food for the 100 or so volunteers that serve from our campus. Work experience could include working in our commercial kitchen, helping to prepare rooms, or working from our cafe. If you are looking for hands-on hospitality experience while working alongside volunteers from all over the world, this could be a great option for you!

Radio Production

Townsville’s community radio station, 99.9 Live FM, operates right on our campus. Doing work experience with 99.9 Live FM means that you can get an inside glimpse into all that it takes to run a radio station, including announcing, programming, planning, engaging with the community, and more!

Youth Ambassadors

Are you passionate about helping people? Do you enjoy projects? Want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Why not become a YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) Youth Ambassador at your school.

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

What’s involved

Here are a few things you will be asked to do as a School Ambassador:

  • Make a commitment for the entire school year
  • Let your school know about YWAM MS and the health needs in PNG (show our four-minute video at assembly or invite us to speak with you)
  • Organise a toothbrush and soap collection drive or a fundraising event (such as a casual day, sausage sizzle, or bake sale) at your school 
  • If you have Facebook or Instagram, share our posts with your friends
  • Touch base with us at least once a school term so we can support you 
  • Optional: In High School? We have volunteering opportunities on our ship for high school students. Why not put a group together from your school?

What you will gain

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to develop new skills to take with you for the rest of your life. You will also walk away with a greater perspective of the world and gain vision about how to make a difference in our world. To help you in your role, our team will:

  • Take you through an orientation learning about YWAM MS
  • Provide you with communication materials such as brochures, videos, and posters
  • Connect you with a YWAM MS staff member who can answer your questions, give you ideas, and mentor you for your role
  • Give you a YWAM MS t-shirt
  • Connect you with other Youth Ambassadors
  • Offer you a spot on an outreach in Papua New Guinea with a guardian

    What we are looking for

    We are seeking Youth Ambassadors who:

    • Enjoy rallying others behind a cause
    • Get excited by creative and innovative ideas
    • Are keen to learn new skills and challenge themselves
    • Are genuinely interested in areas of injustice and poverty and want to see change in the world
    • Young people up to 18 years of age who are willing to make a 12-month commitment on a volunteer basis

        Want more information? Get in touch!

          Apply Now

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          Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

          Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

          Dates
          • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
          • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
          • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

           

          10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

          Apply Now

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          Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

          The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

          Dates
          • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
          • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

           

          Apply Townsville

          Apply Port Moresby

          Introduction to Global Health & Development

          Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

          Townsville Campus

          To be announced

          Port Moresby Campus
          • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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          Learn More

          HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

          HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

          HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

          HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

          HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

          HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

          HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

          HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

           

          Apply Now

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          Gap Year
          Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships

          Deepen Your Faith, Equip your Character and Make a Global Impact through missions!

          Elective Focuses:

          • Hospitality
          • Global Health
          • Youth Ministry
          • Media and Radio

           

          Dates

          January - December 2025

           

           

          Apply Now

          Learn More

          Discipleship Bible School

          During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

          You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

          Dates

          26 January - 27 June 2025

          Apply Now

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          Introduction to Radio & Media

          Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

          CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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          All Courses

          Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

          We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

          Learn more about our approach to training

          Learn More (Townsville campus)

          Learn More (Port Moresby Campus)

          Join YWAM Staff

          Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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          Pathways with YWAM

          We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

           

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          Resources

          Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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          For Parents

          Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

          Canvas Online Training

          Login to complete your course homework here

           


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          YWAM Precinct

          Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

           

          Learn More

          Youth Ambassadors

          As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

           

          Learn More

          Work Experience

          We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

           

          Learn More

          Schools & Youth Leaders

          We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

           

          Learn More

          Transitional Accommodation

          YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

           

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          Vision & Approach

          We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

           

          Learn More

          School Seminars

          Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

           

          Apply Now

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          Youth Adventures

          Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

           

          Apply Now!

          Learn More

          Impact Summer

          Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

          High Ropes, bringing history to life, purpose driven teaching, breakfast, lunch, dinner! What more do you need?

           

          Apply Now

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          VET in Schools

          Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

           


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          Adventure Based Learning
          Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
           

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          Precinct Cafe

          Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

          YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

           


          Apply Now

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          Dental Trailer

          YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

          Apply Now

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          Ship Outreaches

          YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

          Learn More

          Our Footprint

          Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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          Advocate

          Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

          Apply Now (Townsville Campus)
          Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)
          Learn More
          Mission Build
          Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
           
          Apply Now
          Learn More
          Youth Adventures
          Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
           

          Donate / Pay Here
          Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
          Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
          • DTS Fees
          • Volunteer Fees
          • Tax-Deductible Donations
          Donate Now
          Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
          Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
          Pay Now
          Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

          Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

          Pay Now
          YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

          Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

          Give Now!
          Support Our Volunteers
          All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
          Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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          Leave A Gift

          Leaving a gift to YWAM in your will is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

          Take Me There!
          Charity Gift Shop

          Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!