Getting young people job-ready

Apr 03, 2018

Young people continue to be among the most disadvantaged in our labour market. According to the ABS and the Mission Australia Youth Survey (2016), unemployment for people aged 15-24 continues to remain around double that of the general population and in some parts of the country it is even higher. Protracted unemployment can lead to a variety of social problems including low self-esteem, reduced social connections, economic hardship and housing problems – all further barriers to prospects of employment.

On top of this, our young people face a workforce in a state of transition as new jobs emerge and traditional jobs disappear due to rapid changes in technology. In order to thrive in the workplace of the future, therefore, young people need a broad set of skills that mean they are adaptable and able to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

To address this situation, Whitelion’s careers and educational experts have created a Stride training program for young people called ‘STEPs’ (Student Transition Education Programs).

STEPs (Student Transition Education Programs)

STEPs is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive new program that addresses: career education and pathways; job seeking and work placement; writing resumes and cover letters; interview preparation; and making the most of a new job.

As it is never too soon to have career aspirations, STEPs face-to-face workshops are available to students of all ages. Each of the program’s sections includes 2.5 – 3 hours of enjoyable interactive activities and games that Stride facilitators can tailor to a school or organisation to foster meaningful learning, capacity-building and self-reflection in young people.

Most young people identify their teachers as having an influence on their post-school planning, so it is important educators are properly equipped. For this reason, educators can also be trained through a one-day professional development session, which gives them valuable resources, games, tips and ideas to help them guide their students.

Whitelion believes that supporting students to make smooth transitions through school and on to further education or employment benefits not only them as individuals but has positive implications for the broader community.

To find out more visit: http://stride.org.au/steps/or call Stride on (03) 8354 0880.