Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Graduates Get Set For Work

The Whitsunday PCYC Get Set For Work program hosted its first cohort of graduates to celebrate the completion of the intensive employment and training assistance initiative on Friday last week.

The local community organisation hosted a ceremony to end the skills program which began on November 14, 2022, and congratulate its four debut alumni.

The state government project ran for 10 weeks, inviting 15- to 19-year-olds to attend and gain valuable skills and work experience, with the participants either no longer enrolled in schooling or struggling to find employment.

Program Coordinator Scott Lynch said he was extremely proud of his four graduates for their diligence throughout the Get Set For Work program, which has already paid off for one of his star pupils.

"I had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how far these boys have come in such a short amount of time," Mr Lynch said.

“I am extremely proud of our graduate Levi Harrison, who has secured an apprenticeship. It is fair to say that these boys are set up and ready to go for the workforce.”

Over the length of the program, the graduates undertook several work placements at locales across the Whitsundays, including on Hamilton Island, with Bredl’s Wild Farm, Woolworths, volunteering at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Master Butchers Whitsunday, and many more.

Upon completion, three of the four graduates attained a Certificate II in Skills For Work and Vocational Pathways, as well as several other achievements and accreditations, including first aid certificates, white cards, completion of the Responsible Service of Alcohol Course, and the shipboard safety skillset course.

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, who attended on the day, applauded the graduates for their commitment to the program.

“It is not easy to get up every day and make a commitment,” The Member for Whitsundays said.

"Participating in something like this helps you grow, helps you change, and expands your thinking about things. These graduates can do anything they put their minds to and on behalf of our community, we are very proud of you. This is just the start."

The course is now opening for its next intake, which is planned to begin on April 17 and is hoping to field an even larger group, including from Proserpine with conversations for transport undergoing.

For more information, contact Scott Lynch at scott.lynch@pcyc.org.au

Whitsunday PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford, PCYC Youth Worker Declan Coull, graduates Bradley Basset, Reon Grant-Iramu, Levi Harrison, and Nicholas Wright, and Get Set for Work Program Coordinator Scott Lynch, and State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm at the Get Set For Work graduation

Declan Coull, Reon Grant-Iramu, and Scott Lynch

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