Youth Minister Peter Tinley will announce Western Australia's participation in the Duke of Ed Employer program - part of the Duke of Ed Award - at a special function at Parliament House this evening.
The Duke of Ed Employer program encourages employers to recognise the efforts of young Australians, who have completed The Duke of Ed Award (previously known as the Duke of Edinburgh International Award), and harness those values into their recruitment and staff development programs.
The Duke of Ed Award is a youth development program that encourages young people aged 14-24 to develop their potential regardless of location or circumstance.
Participation in the award offers young people opportunities to gain life skills, community connections and State-wide recognition for their efforts in completing the award.
To earn an award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment.
Through the program, Duke of Ed Employer participants can reduce recruitment costs by more easily recognising work-ready candidates. So far, 80 businesses have joined the Duke of Ed Employer program nationally.
The Duke of Ed Award is one of two award programs for young people now overseen by Awards WA - the Duke of Ed Award for those aged 14-24 and the Ignite Awards for those aged 10-14.
As stated by Youth Minister Peter Tinley:
"I urge employers to get involved, not only because it will help them more easily recognise work-ready candidates with relevant life skills and experience, but also because it will encourage young people to get involved with the universally respected Duke of Ed Award.
"WA's young people are currently facing a challenging jobs market that is significantly shaped by economic and social forces.
"We need to do all we can to help young people overcome barriers to education and employment.
"Programs like the Duke of Ed Award offer young people opportunities to explore and reach their potential, regardless of their individual circumstances, and in doing so benefit the community as a whole."
