Bright future ahead for Transition 2 Success graduates

A group of young people from Maryborough and Hervey Bay are today looking forward to a brighter future and employment after graduating from the Transition 2 Success program.

Minister for Youth Di Farmer was on hand to congratulate the 18 young people who completed trade certificates.

“It’s really wonderful to be here today to celebrate with these 18 young people who are now facing incredibly bright futures with work prospects thanks to the help they received from Transition 2 Success, and their own determination to get a qualification,” Ms said.

“We know many of the young people referred to T2S have experienced social disadvantage through exposure to domestic violence, drug abuse and unstable parenting, but sadly they are also exposed to intergenerational unemployment.

“This program helps to break that cycle.”

Ms Farmer was excited to hear nine participants had completed a Certificate II in Rural Operations, 12 completed Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, and three achieved both certificates.

“The students also achieved accreditation in responsible service of alcohol, responsible service of gambling, senior first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as working safely in the construction industry,” she said.

“Seven of the young people also gained their learner licences with support provided to attend driving lessons.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said young people on T2S learned from professional tradespeople on site during work projects at the Bombers AFL club grounds in Hervey Bay.

“I know that those young people involved in the Rural Operations course also got plenty of hands on experience at the Bombers AFL club grounds,” Mr Saunders said.

“They repaired and installed fences, learnt about weed eradication and were involved in putting down a new concrete slab for bike rakes.

“Thanks to the tradespeople who mentored these graduates and taught them important life skills, they are now facing a brighter future and have come away with a ‘can do attitude’ to obtaining and maintaining employment in the industry.”

Transition Services Director Nicholas Dwyer said T2S was only made possible through collaboration and key stakeholder engagement.

“Here in Hervey Bay, T2S partners with a number of local organisations including the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre and the Australian Red Cross Service to make sure that programs, activities and services respond to the needs of the young people,” he said.

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                        0427 781 920