Council chief executives from across Australia will join business and community leaders participating in the 2013 Vinnies CEO Sleepout to draw attention to homelessness in the community.
Unley Youth Development Officer Sandra Robinson said the Learning For Earning program grew out of discussions with Council’s Youth Advisory Committee members, who were frustrated because they couldn’t find local, part-time jobs without experience, but couldn’t gain experience as they couldn’t get a job.
“The Learning For Earning model emerged as one mechanism to break this cycle.
“Young people face many barriers to employment. Learning For Earning provides young people (aged 15—17 years of age) with an opportunity to gain certified Barista and Customer Service training plus work experience in local businesses, creating pathways to employment, empowering participants and strengthening connections within the community.”
Workskil supports both the businesses and young participants, to ensure the program is accessible, positive and successful. Of the sixteen young people who have participated in the past two programs, four have gained employment with their work experience businesses.
Ten local young people will participate in the next program and will undertake work experience at a number of local cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
Due to its growing popularity with schools, parents, businesses, and young people, the program will continue in 2014. Future plans for the program include offering training and work experience in other business sectors in the City of Unley, like retail and floristry.
Learning For Earning is part of Council’s Where Business Meets Youth program, connecting local businesses with young people, creating pathways to employment through training and work experience, linking local job opportunities with local job seekers, and actively encouraging young people’s participation in the community.
