Young residents upskill through shire program

THE Surf Coast Shire is celebrating the completion of this year’s 2024 Youth Skills Training program, which helped 75 young people from across the region to gain new skills and certifications.

Supported through funding provided by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), the shire ran the program across June and July.

Participants completed a range of courses designed to give them a leg up in obtaining their first jobs through improving their employability.

The training programs included:

• White Card Certificate: A construction induction card, which is essential for those pursuing a career in the construction industry
• Barista Training: Providing hands-on experience for those interested in making professional coffees and working in the hospitality industry
• Food Handler’s Certificate: Understanding safe food handling practices
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate: Giving people working in venues with liquor licences the skills and knowledge to safely serve and supply alcohol, and
• First Aid and CPR Training: Equipping participants with critical life-saving skills.
• “We are incredibly proud of the 75 young people in our community who participated in the Work Skills Program,” mayor Liz Pattison said.

“These programs are designed to provide essential skills to boost employability and foster confidence and independence for our youth.”

“We are very grateful to DFFH for their support through the entire Engage! Program.”

The shire thanked its training partners RSA for Schools and Eclipse Education, who delivered the training to the program’s participants.

Among those to complete courses was Jetaime Liberatore, who participated in the RSA certification at the Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre.

“This was a very accessible program, which taught me valuable life skills,” Ms Liberatore said.

For more information about the Youth Skills Training program and upcoming initiatives, email [email protected]