BUSINESSES are being urged to help Wyndham’s young people break the cycle of disadvantage.
With youth unemployment in Wyndham at about 25 per cent, support service Whitelion is looking for businesses to be part of its Streets to Work program.
The program, aimed at helping at risk young people find long-term employment, has been running in Wyndham for about eight months.
Senior employment worker Edna Da Silva said she had struggled to find employment opportunities for young people taking part in the program.
She had been able to find work in the telecommunications industry for two participants, but both jobs were outside the municipality.
“There doesn’t seem to be any real opportunities in Wyndham, so we are calling on all businesses to get on board and support our young people in our community because they are our future.” The program helps those who have left school and are struggling to find work or who have been in trouble with the law.
Whitelion western region manager Jeff Hamilton said participants were given vocational training and support in their new jobs, with help also offered to employers.
“When we match young people to a job they are job ready and they are steady. The program is all about partnerships and providing young people with long-term sustainable employment options.”
He said Whitelion decided to bring the program to Wyndham to try and break the cycle of disadvantage.
“Wyndham is the fastest-growing community in Victoria and it is under-resourced. We need to meet the community’s needs. If we want crime rates to come down, we need to engage our youth. If we don’t, they will face further social disengagement.”
Jobs are needed in hospitality, warehousing and logistics, hairdressing, mechanics, administration and retail.
More details: 8354 0802.
