Funding has been secured to enable the game-changing Illawarra YES program to continue supporting young people into real jobs for another year, thanks to an announcement of funding made today by the NSW Government.
Illawarra YES aims to connect young people with the right skills and qualifications needed to secure jobs within key industries across the region. Illawarra YES employment programs utilise a jobs brokerage model, with each program being developed in collaboration with businesses and Registered Training Organisations across a diverse range of industry sectors.
Entry level skills are identified by employers and delivered as part of a program that includes skills training, work experience and employability skills directly aligned with real job opportunities. The skill set delivered through the NSW Government's 'Smart and Skilled' funding equips jobseekers with the entry level skills required to commence work and is tailored to the needs of each industry.
"This is an excellent outcome for improving the educational and employment outcomes for young people in the Illawarra. The Illawarra Business Chamber looks forward to delivering the Illawarra YES program for a third year on behalf of the NSW Government," said Adam Zarth, Executive Director of the Illawarra Business Chamber.
"Illawarra YES has delivered excellent outcomes for young clients and businesses alike. The Program has now assisted 170 young clients, engaged 46 new enterprises and brokered 150 new jobs, of which 84 have been secured to date," said Mr Zarth.
"As a regional business chamber, the IBC is uniquely positioned to leverage its wider membership across the Illawarra. Young job seekers have found work in building and construction, disability support, contact centres, transport and logistics, aged care and manufacturing."
Illawarra Business Chamber member, The Disability Trust, is currently utilising Illawarra YES to prepare, train and trial potential individual support worker trainees, with a view to future employment.
"We are delighted to be working with our partners in running an Illawarra YES program. It has provided experience working at The Disability Trust, in community and residential settings, for a group of eligible, suitable and genuinely interested young people." said Margaret Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of The Disability Trust
