Katrina Brandon
The Gippsland Trades and Labour Council are keeping opportunities available for underemployed and unemployed youths, unveiling their Youth Trade and Skills Program at the Labor Party luncheon at Yarram last month.
The Inclusive Employment and Workers Transition Project aims to get young people employable.
The GTLC is currently working with youth from 16 to 25 on a Domestic Building Scheme; the project aims to give them pre-apprenticeship skills and qualifications to make them job-ready.
GTLC secretary Steve Dodd explained the program to Labor Party representatives.
The group of 14 had lunch at the Victorian Hotel Alberton and were treated to insight from Mr Dodd.
The GTLC’s inclusive youth program runs over two weeks where young trainees learn domestic building and construction skills. The program is a group effort, with the Latrobe Community Health Service, Latrobe Youth Space, ACE Training, the Men’s Shed, AGL, Cbus Super, Apprenticeship Group Australia and the Victoria Policing Unit working collaboratively to deliver the project.
“It is a course for kids who have failed school, come from broken homes,” Mr Dodd said.
“We have done six of them so far. Out of that, eight of the kids have gotten apprenticeships out of it.”
The program offers troubled youths opportunities to open their futures and broaden their horizons.
“When we can assist someone, we never turn them away; we send them to someone who can or to TAFE, where there are lots of free courses for different stuff if they are looking for more education,” Mr Dodd said.
In addition, a myriad of local issues were discussed at the luncheon. Topics ranged from industry closures, worker transitions, youth programs and community-led action.
While the GTLC helps with transitioning, Mr Dodd said that the union will not work directly with timber workers as Forest Works has its own program.
Yarram YES walk for the referendum. Photo by Katrina Brandon
