WCIG with new program “Transition to Work” for disadvantaged young people in employment region Barwon and North Western Melbourne, commencing 1st of July 2022.
WCIG is pleased to be growing its Youth Services in Barwon and North Western Melbourne after being selected by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) to deliver the Transition to Work program (2022 – 2027).
Transition to Work is an Australian Government specialist pre-employment service for disadvantaged young people aged 15-24 years. Effective 1st July 2022, WCIG will roll out Transition to Work across Geelong, Corio, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury. The program will complement WCIG’s other well-established services offered in the region, allowing our team to extend its support in other areas, as needed.
Ron Miers, CEO WCIG, said, “This program will enhance WCIG’s work with young people across Melbourne and the Barwon region providing skills and employment pathways into local jobs. With Transition to Work, WCIG can empower more disadvantaged young people, who may be susceptible to long-term employment or limited education. In turn, WCIG can support young people in developing the foundations for a more secure future.”
Young people are disproportionately affected in the labour market, increasingly evident during the COVID pandemic. Those who were long-term unemployed before COVID-19 experienced significant setbacks – education disrupted, employment opportunities declined, and mental health problems (anxiety, depression, panic attacks) escalated.
Deputy CEO, Mary Jankulovski, said, “The Transition to Work program aims to deliver more support, helping to address multiple barriers to employment such as qualifications, transport, job readiness, communication skills, and social support. It will help to remove the secondary barriers to employment which, in turn, will help them more effectively compete in the job market. Through Transition to Work, we want young people to develop a positive mindset, create social connections with others and build a career.”
WCIG’s services are built on the belief that individuals can achieve positive development by creating positive experiences, positive relationships, in a positive environment. Transition to Work will be a platform for self-discovery. Throughout each of the program’s phases, participants will have tools and support readily available to them, ensuring they take the most effective action towards achieving their aspirations. WCIG will also develop a new Youth Advisory Committee, which will guide and ensure the program’s ongoing success while keeping the needs, interests, and concerns of young people at the forefront.
Since its inception in 2016, more than 145,580 young people have used the Transition to Work service, resulting in 89,950 job placements and more than 50,480 placements into accredited education and training.
WCIG is committed to being part of the movement to continue achieving successful outcomes for young people.
