Innovative approaches to help more young people into work

The Coalition Government has announced the organisations that were successful in their applications to deliver the second round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

Empowering YOUth Initiatives seeks to empower young people who are disengaged from the workforce or school and who face complex issues that affect their future.

Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said 21 organisations will be offered the opportunity to join 19 existing organisations to deliver new approaches that assist young people overcome barriers to getting employment.

“The Government is engaging community and not-for-profit organisations to explore new and innovative approaches to help young people into jobs,” Minister Cash said.

“We are especially keen to help facilitate grass roots innovation, as these organisations have stepped up and are willing to try new approaches to help young people.

“The Government is supporting these yet-to-be tested ideas because it is worth every effort to tackle youth unemployment.”

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Impact Community Services was one of 21 successful organisations selected from the second round and was pleased they would be offered the opportunity to deliver an exciting new initiative to support young people in the area.

“Impact will run an anonymous telephone hotline service Employment firstAid (E+), where participants and employers will have access to advice and support designed to enhance confidence and resilience in the workplace,” Mr Pitt said.

The service will also promote a range of strategies that employers and employees can adopt to improve retention of young people in employment.

A website and hotline support can be accessed nationally and face-to-face support will be available in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Rockhampton.

“Initiatives like these, that are community driven, are vital in the Hinkler electorate to support our young people on their journeys to employment.”

Applicants in Round 2 of Empowering YOUth Initiatives applied for grant funding of up to $5 million to deliver initiatives over two years to young people aged 15 to 24. Each of the 21 successful organisations was selected for their experience and innovative approach.

The Department of Employment will partner with the successful organisations to support evaluation of each initiative, informing new policies and programs targeted at young people.

“The Coalition has allocated $50 million in Empowering YOUth Initiatives, demonstrating how committed this Government is to assisting some of our most vulnerable young people prepare for the workplace,” Minister Cash said.

“Early intervention can mean the difference between a young person taking their first steps into a productive and happy working life or entering a life of welfare dependency.”

Empowering YOUth Initiatives is part of the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy announced in the Growing Jobs and Small Business Package in the 2015–16 Budget.

For more information on Empowering YOUth Initiatives and other support available for young people under the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy visit: www.employment.gov.au