Transitioning to Success

Twelve young people have a new direction in life after earning a range of qualifications from the second Transition to Success (T2S) program through the Townsville Youth Justice Centre.

The Palaszczuk Government’s state-wide program provides alternative education, training and skills to young people involved, or at risk of becoming involved, with the youth justice system.

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath, who attended the graduation in Townsville this morning, said the program team had witnessed a remarkable change in the participants’ attitudes.

“Many of these young people come from difficult and challenging backgrounds and the traditional school pathway does not necessarily work for them,’’ Mrs D’Ath said.

The graduates have also received support from North Queensland Cowboys Co-Captain Matt Scott, who spent time with them during the program.

“A lot of the time we don't hear about the good things that are happening in the community and I think this is one of the best programs I have seen,” Matt Scott said.

“The T2S young people are setting an example for kids in the future and what they have done is a great achievement.”

Mrs D’Ath said the program was also about giving young people a different environment for learning life skills, and mixed structured learning with practical work training.

“It delivers social and well-being programs in a way young people can relate to,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Also, by giving them the chance to gain industry-level work experience, we are giving them real world skills and making them job-ready.’’

The 12 graduates are aged 15-19 and have achieved Certificates in Horticulture and Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Some have also gained their Drivers Licence Permits, Senior First Aid and Construction White Card.

The T2S program is a collective approach to address youth offending with government, non-government, business and local community organisations working together to provide opportunities for young people to engage in training and skills.

The T2S program also partnered with the PCYC, Queensland Youth Services, the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Bunnings, TAFE and the Edmund Rice Flexible Learning Centre to successfully deliver the program.

ENDS

Media Contact: Kirsten MacGregor 0417 675 917