By Esther Lauaki
Wyndham council is calling on retail and hospitality employers to give young people a fresh start.
The Fresh Start Employment Pathways Program is one of a series of youth development initiatives council runs focused on finding local jobs for young people.
Learning city portfolio holder Josh Gilligan said the Wyndham Community and Education Centre would offer young people training, insights and support into casual and part-time employment in retail and hospitality.
“This is a real opportunity to kick-start a career and the partnership has already matched job-ready participants with employers keen to give our young people the opportunity to join the workforce,” Cr Gilligan said.
“We want the next generation of workers to find work that suits their skills and interests so they can gain experience in that industry and continue to grow within the company or make the decision to gain some education to further their career in their chosen field.
“Employers have much to gain from being matched with these enthusiastic young people.
“Young people can offer a fresh perspective to the workplace and have the energy and motivation to work their way up the career ladder.”
Cr Gilligan said employers could save time and money on recruiting by hiring young people who had already been put through job readiness training, tailored to retail and hospitality.
“Once the employment starts, Wyndham Community and Education supports these young people to develop good employment habits and achieve their long-term career goals,” he said.
“For most young people in the program, this is their first job, and in some cases they are the first person in their family to secure a job in Australia.”
Information: Josh Badenoch 0439 180 948
