And even though it's still relatively early days in the 22-week program, the young adults are looking to continue their progress with some already eyeing off some ideas for their community service project.

Clare Bush has already picked up some useful skills and said, "I've learned a lot about organisation and setting goals". And added that one of the messages of the group session was to think about your interests when deciding on a community service project, so is considering something with the pound or RSPCA, or the Girl Guides.

"I definitely didn't have those ideas before today," she said.

This year sees a number of first time coaches including Chandelle Newbigging, who was keen to join on the recommendation of one of the 2018 graduates.

"One of our sales agents [at McGrath], Adam Sutherland, was a coach last year, and he thoroughly enjoyed the program and got so much out of it - not only for himself but also a lot of satisfaction in helping his young adult," she said. "So we decided to become a part of the program by sponsoring it and then I decided to join as one of the coaches."

While the volunteers gain skills to take back to the workplace, another first time coach for 2019 is bringing a different perspective.

"I've been in leadership roles all of my working life, now that I'm retired I would like to still contribute the skills and experience that I've got working with young people," said Bruce Roberts, a retired principal and solicitor. "And by doing that I'll also give myself a little bit of focus at this time of my life."

The young adults are coached rather than mentored and are encouraged to set their own goals.

"One of my goals is financial, I've got a job but sometimes it can be hard to save, so I've learned to be patient," Claire Finter said. And Ashton Breadsell added, "one of my goals was to have time management" and that the way the modules are set out the program helps them to "grow as a person".

The next Connect Group is in May.