THE importance of pre-employment support has been highlighted in the wake of reports the rate of youth unemployment has hit an all-time high.
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A recent yourtown report released this week found the long-term unemployment rate is at an all-time high with the region’s statistics topping 15 per cent.
The report, which aims to explore youth unemployment issues and develop strategies to break the cycle, showed the prevalence of young people who had been out of work for at least a year had increased since 2007.
yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said the consequences of long-term youth unemployment are a social issue that has ongoing effects on the community.
“From low self-esteem, to poor mental and physical health, the longer young people are unemployed, the harder it can be to break that cycle and find a job,” she said.
She said yourtown recently launched a new program in 12 of the most disadvantaged areas in Australia, including Ballarat, which aimed at helping get unemployed youths into work.
Gforce won the four-year federal government contract for the Transition to Work initiative which recently launched in Ballarat.
After the announcement in February, Gforce staffing solutions and youth employment manager Nic Jarvis said participants would gain a better understanding of employers’ expectations and learn practical skills including resume preparation and interview techniques.
“We want these young people to find jobs – and being work ready is just what employees are looking for nowadays,” he said.
Mr Jarvis said staff will draw on the organisation’s strong network in the business community to assist participants.
“I think Ballarat employers will see the strong value in this program too, for their businesses and the region’s youth,” he said.
“There can be financial advantages for businesses who take on Transition to Work participants and I’d urge employers to throw their support behind the initiative.”
