The Gillard Government will invest more than $480,000 to help hundreds of young Australians get ready for further study, training and work.
Minister for Youth Peter Garrett said 15 not-for-profit organisations will receive grants as part of the Australian Government’s Youth Development and Support Program (YDSP).
“These projects will help young people, aged 12 to 25, find practical and creative opportunities for work, study or training in their local area,” Mr Garrett said.
“We know many young people face extra hurdles when it comes to continuing study or finding work. We also know many Australian businesses and communities are looking for skilled and energetic young Australians to work for them.
“This investment is designed to give young people the skills and work experience they need to grow and succeed as well as ensuring businesses have access to skilled employees.”
Projects to be funded this year include:
- Workplace Mentoring Toolbox – run by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre Association in Western Australia. This project received $25,152 to support young people in the Geraldton region to develop an individual transition plan and gain work experience, culminating in a toolbox for employers.
- Re-engage Youth Training and Building Centre – run by the Re-engage Youth Services Inc in Christies Beach, SA. They received $16,050 to provide young people who are disengaged from mainstream school with the opportunity to trial a variety of different trades and hands-on vocation options, including carpentry, bike maintenance, and commercial spray painting and welding.
- Great Lakes Community Resources in Tuncurry, NSW, received $27,380 to help young people design, implement and evaluate a showcase about best practice in sustainability, which will culminate in an expo where the participants achievements are displayed to local employers, community members and training providers.
“I congratulate the 15 organisations who were successful in receiving funding. The organisations were judged by an independent selection panel according to who would provide the best value in helping young people get ready for jobs and training,” Mr Garrett said.
Since 2009, 101 organisations have received funding under the YDSP supporting more than 130,000 young people.
A full list of the successful organisations receiving Australian Government funding in 2012-13 is below and is available at www.youth.gov.au
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