New program supporting young job seekers into work

Young job seekers will be able to access one-on-one support to help get them work ready through a new program announced today by Federal Member for Hinkler and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Keith Pitt.

The Transition to Work program is a $322 million commitment by the Coalition Government to help young people aged 15-21 to improve their work readiness or find their way back to education.

Mr Pitt said the service would have a strong focus on helping young people develop the skills and attitudes expected by employers in the workplace.

“Employers I’ve spoken to say young people need the basics before they start work. They struggle to find people who dress appropriately, arrive on time and have the right attitude, because enthusiasm trumps experience every time,” Mr Pitt said.

“We know the effects of long-term unemployment on individuals, families and communities can be extremely damaging. And evidence shows that the longer a young person remains unemployed after leaving school, the more likely it is that they risk becoming long-term unemployed,” Mr Pitt said.

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

“The Coalition is committed to making sure those who are able to work have the necessary work-life skills required to enter the workforce.”

The program will be delivered by community-based organisations and the services funded in Hinkler under round 2 of the Transition to Work program are:

The Busy Group Ltd – Hervey Bay (servicing Maryborough) and Bundaberg

Job Futures Ltd – Bundaberg and Childers

Providers in additional employment regions will be announced in March, as part of the final round of the Transition to Work program.

For more information on Transition to Work, including a list of successful organisations under Round 1, visit: http://www.employment.gov.au/youth

FACTBOX

The service will help around 29,000 young people each year and will target three groups of young job seekers aged 15-21 years who are considered most at risk of long-term unemployment:

• early school leavers

• disengaged young people; and

• jobactive referrals.