Program puts youth on career track
November 10, 2009
A new Youth Employment Program (YEP) to help young people in Drouin and District get their careers on track is proving its worth with 28 young people now in work or training as a result of taking part.
Education Centre Gippsland (ECG) is delivering the program through funding support from the Drouin & District Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank.
ECG YEP Coordinator Maryanne Meyer said places were now available for school leavers and young people to receive one-on one support, at no cost, to help them build resume and interview skills, or undertake training to find a career direction and employment.
“The program began last year and all participants have either found work or gained training as a result. Many of them had left school and were experiencing difficulty finding work, some discovered the job area they had chosen didn’t suit them, while others were floundering as to what direction to take and how to go about it.”
For 19 year old former Drouin Secondary College student Jade Thompson the program has opened doors to a full time position in business administration at Bruce Clough Motors at Longwarry.
“12 months ago I was struggling to get an interview. I had put out 40 resumes to various businesses and was losing hope of getting a full-time job. I heard about the YEP program and joined up this year and it made a huge difference to my confidence, skills and employability.”
Paul Clough said 60 applicants had applied for the position at Bruce Clough Motors and Jade had been selected because of the initiative she had shown in taking up further training to extend her office skills this year as well as working part time at a supermarket.
“Those additional skills, her work experience and enthusiasm put her well ahead of other school levers applying for the position.”
ECG’S Maryanne Meyer said the approach had proven a winning formula with many of the participants.
“Our first step is to get them working even in casual or full time jobs because it is easier to get full-time work if you are already working. The next step is to increase their employability through training that suits their career direction so as they go for jobs the employer can see they are committed. A really important aspect of the program is assisting each young person to identify employment or training areas that are suited to them rather than just finding them a job and then finding out it doesn’t suit them down the track.”
Community Bank Director, George Nicholson, said the bank was pleased to continue to support the innovative program.
“The outcomes are terrific for the young people involved, for local businesses and the wider community because it is all about skilling young people for the future of this region. The program also provides on-going support once the young person is placed in employment.”
Young people can apply direct to the program. For more information phone Maryanne Meyer at ECG on 03 5623 6075.
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