The Australian Government has today announced the organisations successful in their applications to deliver the second round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives.
Empowering YOUth Initiatives seeks to empower young people who are disengaged from the workforce or school and who face complex issues that affect their future.
Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said 21 organisations would be offered the opportunity to join 19 organisations already delivering new approaches to assist young people overcome barriers to gaining employment.
“The Government is engaging community and not-for-profit organisations to explore new and innovative approaches to help young people into jobs,” Minister Cash said.
“We are especially keen to help facilitate grass roots innovation, as these organisations have stepped up and are willing to try new approaches to help young people.
“The Government is supporting these yet-to-be tested ideas because it is worth every effort to tackle youth unemployment.”
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said Headspace and The Trustee for Pathways to Resilience in Logan were just two of the many successful organisations around the country selected from the second round.
“The Trustee for Pathways to Resilience will run an Empowering Youth to Thrive initiative, which will use a neuroscience approach to empower young people in learning and happiness, assist with transitioning into employment, increase confidence and ensure they build stronger relationships in the workplace,” Mr van Manen said.
“Headspace will run their Digital Industry Mentor Service where participants will be able to link online with experienced industry mentors in order to develop their confidence, networking and soft skills.
“Mentors will increase employment opportunities for participants through existing networks and setting realistic goals that align with participants’ skills and work-readiness.”
Applicants under Round 2 of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives applied for grant funding of up to $5 million to deliver initiatives over two years to young people aged 15 to 24.
Each of the 21 successful organisations was selected for their experience and innovative approach.
The Department of Employment will partner with the successful organisations to support evaluation of each initiative, informing new policies and programs targeted at young people.
The Coalition Government has allocated $50 million in Empowering YOUth Initiatives.
“This demonstrates how committed this Government is to assisting some of our most vulnerable young people prepare for the workplace,” Minister Cash said.
“Early intervention can mean the difference between a young person taking their first steps into a productive and happy working life or entering a life of welfare dependency.”
Empowering YOUth Initiatives is part of the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy announced in the Growing Jobs and Small Business Package in the 2015–16 Budget.
For more information on Empowering YOUth Initiatives and other support available for young people under the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy visit www.employment.gov.au