Fraser Coast Youth actively developing with Programs

THE HERVEY Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) have been deliberate with their focus on the youth in recent years. The diversity and variety of programs that have been made available, provide wide choices for young people who have different interests that can related to the many programs.

The LIFT Program is an example of the diversity offered that consists of the following programs - Industry Ready Training (IRT), Youth Assistance Program (YAP), Training and Employment Coach (TEC) and Local Learning Network (LLN). Each of these programs are targeted at the different age groups and interests that the youth of Fraser Coast relay.

Industry Ready Training (IRT) is a ten week employability program funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) in which the program runs three days per week with a maximum of ten participants.

The program aims to support and upskill participants to become employment ready through support such as promoting awareness of local job opportunities that includes industry visits to various local industries and guest speakers. It also supports participants to explore career areas of interest and accessing appropriate services and collaborating with other agencies to develop pathways for further training and employment opportunities.

Sheen Heinonen, Manager for the Family, Children and Youth Service programs at HBNC, says it’s about developing people.

“The IRT program will engage in activities to build life skills, resilience strategies and develop essential soft skills required for employment, such as financial literacy, interpersonal skills and problem-solving”.

She also says they provide support for developing an individual case plan to find employment of choice and supporting referral pathways to services as required such as counselling. At the end of the ten week period participants will be linked with a Training and Employment Coach (TEC) who will continue to support them to maintain employment for a further three months.

The LIFT Program also incorporates the Youth Assistance program which offers support for young people 14 -18 years old at risk of disengaging with school or who are disengaging from school or transitioning from year 12.

Training and Employment Coach (TEC) is another case management approach offering support for people 18+ years old to gain and sustain employment. The Local Learning Network (LLN) programs aim to provide opportunities for community members to connect and learn, build confidence and develop new skills for work and life through various courses and workshops.

Another program in place is The Our Voice Program this program specifically works with young people 15-17 years at risk of exclusion and isolation who are connected with the Hervey Bay Youth Centre.

 It is a ten week program designed to develop their skills for work leadership, peer to peer interaction and innovation with many of the referrals coming from local high schools.