The Australian Government is asking for public input into setting the future direction of a $50 million initiative to help Indigenous students move from school into the workplace.
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins MP, today released a discussion paper seeking views on the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathways Program for the 2013 academic year and beyond.
The Australian Government started the IYCP program this year with transitional arrangements in place.
“This program is a new approach to supporting Indigenous students on the pathway from school to work or further study,” Ms Collins said.
“It gives students personal mentoring and case management to help them handle issues they might face when moving from school to work or further education.
“It is important we target this support as best we can, so I encourage all stakeholders to have their say on the discussion paper,” Ms Collins said.
The Government is investing $50.7 million over four years for the IYCP to support 6400 school based traineeships for Indigenous students in Years 11 and 12.
This year, the program is funding 610 school based traineeship places and supporting more than 1000 places previously funded through the Indigenous Employment Program.
“We made a commitment to ask stakeholders their views on the way the program will operate from 2013 and we would like to hear their opinions now that it is underway,” Ms Collins said.
Submissions on the discussion paper close on 10 April 2012.
The discussion paper and information on making a submission can be found at http://www.deewr.gov.au/IYCP