WCIG Youth Services to grow through Transition to Work program

COMMUNITY-BASED not for profit organisation WCIG is growing its Youth Services in the Barwon Region after being selected by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to deliver the Transition to Work Program.

Transition to Work is a federal government specialist pre-employment service to assist young people aged 15-24 in taking their first steps in the direction of a career journey or further education.

Since Transition to Work’s inception in 2016, more than 145,580 young people have used the service nationally, resulting in 89,950 job placements and more than 50,480 placements into accredited education and training.

In response to being selected to deliver the program, WCIG’s Transition to Work team will be made up of youth coaches who are skilled at mentoring young people to identify their interests and aspirations to help them achieve their goals.

Coaches will work through practical responses to unemployment and disadvantage with youth in the region at both Geelong and Corio offices, while an outreach site will also be used in Hamlyn Heights to meet demand.

“Finishing school and entering the workforce can be a big challenge for many people,” WCIG youth services manager Jardi McInnes said.

“With Transition to Work, WCIG will help develop skills and employment pathways into local jobs and build foundations for young people to have a positive future.”

Regional manager for Transition to Work Alisha Miller hoped the pathway being introduced into the Barwon Region would hopefully allow for the youth to compete more effectively in the job market.

“Our youth coaches support young people to gain employment such as getting certified, transport, job readiness and communication skills, which can help them compete for jobs more effectively in the job market.

“We want young people to develop a positive mindset, create social connections with others and build a career in an area they are passionate about.”

WCIG is committed to being part of the movement and they hope to continue fostering positive and successful outcomes for young people with the assistance of the Transition to Work program.