The latest Get Set For Work Program drew to a close last month with five out of the nine participants graduating from the 10 week program.
Program Coordinator Scott Lynch said, although this is not the highest number of graduates to date, he is proud of each individual and positive about all their futures.
He added the three that did not graduate left the program early due to personal reasons or they found a job.
Standout graduate was a young man that secured a butcher’s apprenticeship and Scott said “Anytime somebody gets an apprenticeship that’s a huge outcome.”
The next intake, starting on April 15, will be the sixth intake since the program started in November 2022.
There are 12 participants already registered in the next intake.
The Get Set For Work program is dedicated to helping children aged between 15 and 19 who are no longer enrolled in school.
The program aims to nurture their attributes and keeps them accountable to positive long-term goals away from the confinements of school.
“Across the 10 weeks, we put them through a list of comprehensive training, and get them much more employable,” said Scott.
“We help participants build resumes, cover letters, we help them obtain industry entry level certifications, so things like construction white cards and responsible service of alcohol.”
The program operates through the Whitsunday PCYC, and Branch Manager, Billy Li, said he is proud of the program’s diversity.
“Our program exposes them to different kinds of industries, we get hospitality, they go to Cruise Whitsunday, we take them to the islands, the prawn farm or barramundi farm,” said Billy.
The program also helps the disengaged children stay on the right path.
“We have a quite a high chance of them just going down the wrong path as well, you know, by them actually, seeking employment they can redirect their focus on doing something that is very constructive,” he added.
Scott Lynch runs the program alongside Youth Worker, Declan Coull, and they welcome volunteers that enjoy working with young people.
Get Set To Work Graduates with Declan Coull, Scott Lynch and Billy Li
Photo supplied
