A NEW employment initiative is being adopted by Headspace\u2019s Ballarat branch which aims to have a more hands-on approach in finding work for young people.<\/p>\n
Called the youth employment program, or YEP, the Federally funded initiative will provide people aged 15 to 25 with time-unlimited workplace guidance tailored to their personal needs.<\/p>\n
The program has been active at Headspace facilities nationwide for six years, with the local branch having launched in August last year.<\/p>\n
Sam Wills, one of Ballarat Headspace\u2019s two youth vocational specialists, said he was excited about the the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first heard about it two years ago at a youth pathways forum,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was so impressed by the program with just how flexibly it could deliver individual attention to job seekers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The YEP initiative prioritises an \u201cindividualised approach\u201d to employment, emphasising relationship-building and mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe develop their interests through exploring the job they\u2019re interested in as well as the education pathways that will be required,\u201d Mr Wills said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople also have personal lives and experiences that have impacted them, and the mental health treatment aspect means that each young person is supported the entire time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through YEP, Headspace aims link job seekers with potential employers, and personalised strategies will be used to assist with placement, education and further employment opportunities.<\/p>\n
After six months of development, Mr Wills said that Headspace Ballarat is ready to put the word out that the program is available for those seeking work.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of what\u2019s happening with someone in their life, if they\u2019re ready and keen to work then we stand ready to welcome them to the program,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit headspace.org.au\/headspace-centres\/ballarat\/yep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW employment initiative is being adopted by Headspace\u2019s Ballarat branch which aims to have a more hands-on approach in finding work for young people. Called the youth employment program, or YEP, the Federally funded initiative will provide people aged 15 to 25 with time-unlimited workplace guidance tailored to their personal needs. The program has […]<\/p>\n