TAFE PROGRAM TARGETS JOBS FOR YOUTH

The Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT) has joined forces with three local high schools to run a pilot program for students at risk of becoming unemployment statistics.

The Options for Work and Education program, developed by Melbourne sociologist Dr Helen Sykes, is being trialed by selected TAFE institutes in Victoria and NSW and by the Gold Coast institute in Queensland.

"This important program takes a preventive approach to youth unemployment by identifying the early warning signs," Training and Industrial Relations Minister Santo Santoro said today.

"The 10-week program covers students' options for gaining employment in the current job market, the skills and experience required and the reality of life without work.

"Armed with this knowledge, students can make informed decisions about leaving school after Year 10 or commit to continuing their education."

Twenty-six Year 10 students from Keebra Park, Southport and Benowa State high schools were chosen to participate in the pilot program.

"For three days a week students attend classes at school where they work on a specially modified program," said Mr Santoro.

"They then join TAFE for one day and on the fifth day they undertake work experience with an employer who has volunteered to take part in the scheme."

The TAFE training covers key life skills such as budgeting, motivation and communication.

It discusses career pathways, employment options and skill requirements.

"Students are taken on industry visits on which they can talk to potential employers and get a feel for how different workplaces operate," said Mr Santoro.

"The work experience component gives them exposure to a wide range of industries including hospitality, fast food service, retail, auto repairs and child care."

Mr Santoro said students had responded well to the Options for Work and Education program.

"Early results are encouraging with the schools reporting a marked change in attitude," he said.

"One student already has secured a traineeship in child care and another has decided to continue to Year 12."

Mr Santoro said the program appeals to students because they're learning skills that are relevant to their situation.

"Many students have a very idealised image of what it would be like to leave school," he said.

"Through this program, they are learning that employers expect high standards of behaviour and dress; that they should arrive on time and work hard; and that as junior employees or trainees, there always will be someone supervising their work output.

"They also gain a realistic look at life without work -- at the boredom, the loss of self-esteem and the financial restrictions."

Mr Santoro congratulated the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE for its initiative with the program.

"This is an excellent example of how TAFE Queensland is working to promote employment in Queensland's Year of Training," he said.

The first group of students will be awarded Certificates of Attainment at a presentation ceremony at 2.30pm on Wednesday <26 Nov> at Level 3A "The Terraces", I Block at the Southport/Broadwater Campus of the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE.