A NEW project has been designed to help young people find meaningful employment and it includes a survey aimed at analysing the needs of students looking for work and local industries looking to fill gaps in their workforce.<\/p>\n
Launched last week, the survey was developed by Bendigo Tech School, Bendigo TAFE Skills and Jobs Centre, and the Department of Education and Training.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany students entering the workforce are underinformed regarding the variety of local career pathways that are available to them, while our local industries are unable to fill vacancies,\u201d said Graeme Wiggins, director of Bendigo Tech School.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an educational institution, it is our job to assist in the development of creative training and educational opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Mr Wiggins, 50 per cent of young people can\u2019t find steady work, with 60,000 north-western Victorian students currently looking for pathways into careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis survey will allow us to assess the needs of students, their families, and industry more easily as we work with our partners to develop opportunities for young people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
VCAL student Marcus Anderson said it\u2019s pleasing to see industry leaders helping students with their education.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great because it gives you more options, it allows you to branch out and find that help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know there\u2019s probably many kids out there wanting that, and they don\u2019t have it. This kind of program is definitely helpful for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Wiggins said they\u2019re already receiving feedback on the survey.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been about 175 respondents far, and some really interesting observations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat most young people are saying is they simply lack the confidence to undertake the education and to seek the opportunities they want.\u201d<\/p>\n