Did you know the Cumberland local government area has 16.9% youth unemployment, compared to 12.6% in greater Sydney? 11.5% of young people aged between 15-24 are neither employed nor studying. These statistics are alarming to say the least!
DOOLEYS have recently partnered with Auburn Youth Centre (AYC) for a new and exciting employment pathways program to try and close this gap.
This program is part of a long-term vision to have a lasting impact on youth disengagement and unemployment in our local area. The recent opening of the AYC Café is the first step in achieving this vision. Over the next 2-4yrs, AYC aim to have a self-sustaining café and catering business, partner with local business to create employment and training opportunities and establish an RTO social enterprise.
How will this program be different to other employment pathways?
This program will target disengaged youth and provide support that mainstream training organisations often fail to provide including English for Hospitality, counselling and mentoring.
It is recognised that many young people in our local area also have additional language and cultural barriers, as well as the impact of trauma, low self-esteem and disadvantaged backgrounds. The training and support model will work in tandem with the overall program and will provide practical, targeted vocational language support in both group and individual settings.
“The AYC Employment Pathways Project addresses issues of trauma, displacement, low self-esteem, poverty, language and isolation which are all barriers to engagement in study and employment,” explained AYC Executive Officer Dean de Haas. “Here at AYC, we focus on the needs of a young person as a whole. Employment is only one part of the puzzle – other challenges such as language, social inclusion and self-esteem also need to be addressed if we are truly to make an impact in a young person’s life.”
AYC is interested in hearing from any young person who may like to learn more about the hospitality industry through this employment pathway program. Please contact AYC on 9646 2122 for further information about this important local project.
DOOLEYS is a proud ClubGRANTS community partner of Auburn Youth Centre.
