Up to 42% Youth unemployment on the Central Coast is completely unacceptable.
Young people need a broad range of support as they navigate the difficult transition from school to work. If elected, I will work specifically on the following areas.
Alternative Learning
We need more opportunities for kids who don’t engage in traditional styles of learning.
This is a key issue for a lot of families on the coast. Not all young people learn in the same way and it is imperative that there are a range of options available to our young people, especially in secondary school. There are many innovative, successful programs and schools and it is essential that the Government provides as much support as possible to build on this.
One Stop Shop
A closer link between school and work is needed to assist young people on their path. A One Stop Shop for young people and their parents that works as a youth labour hire organisation as well as providing integrated support would enable young people, especially those not getting on well in school, to gain some skills and enter the job market. The One Stop Shop would help them navigate this tricky transition point in their lives.
Apprenticeships
I will work to ensure that more school-based apprenticeships are available and better support is provided for those young people.
Schools are ideally placed to offer their students more flexible learning options and pathways. For example, part-time school-based apprenticeships, full-time school-based apprenticeships while still offering support.
Youth Mentoring
Here on the Central Coast, Plan- It Youth matched (predominately) retirees with young people. In spite of it’s proven success, the State Government withdrew it’s funding for the program. If elected, I would work to support youth mentoring programs.
We know what a difference it makes. Youth mentoring on the Central Coast supports kids in the difficult years.
Creative and Innovative Thinkers
We need more opportunities for business incubators for young people to get involved in.
We know there aren’t the big jobs that there are in the city on the Central Coast but for innovative and creative thinkers, young people can be supported to start their own small business. With support and guidance, there are opportunities that can turn their ideas into action.
Green Jobs
Young people can be trained up to run their own businesses in sustainable industries – the YGreen project is an example of that.