Providing Education and Training for At Risk ... - Victoria University

Pre-employment programsMany of the pre-employment programs identified are Jobs Pathways Programs or JPET (JobsPlacement Employment and Training) Programs funded by the Department of EmploymentEducation and Youth Affairs (DEETYA). Typically, they assist young people with access totraining and work through traineeships and apprenticeships and job search skills such as resumewriting, interview techniques, personal grooming and general preparation for work. This maybe on a one-to-one-basis or via workshops run at the centres. Schools often refer students whoare at risk of dropping out due to lack of interest in school or in pursuing a tertiary educationpathway.These programs are generally staffed by people with expertise in career counseling, casemanagement, social work, youth work or teaching and training. In many cases, the programshave links with other services such as housing for homeless youth and health, so that youngpeople who present with particular barriers to work and education, can be referred to appropriateagencies.A State funded program run by the Retail Traders Association assists young people referred tothem by agencies concerned with homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, health andschool programs, access to traineeships in the retail industry.Four programs were identified throughout the State that run pre-employment programs forKoori youth. Young people generally self-select into these Programs which they learn aboutby ‘word of mouth’. Some are referred by schools. These programs also connect with otherservices such as health, housing and family support. Two of the programs are located in countryareas. They offered assistance with access to traineeships in specific industry areas. A programlocated in Shepparton focuses on traineeships in automotive and building. Another in Robinvaleprovides training in landscaping, artifacts, textiles, upholstery and building.Intervention programs in non-mainstream settingsTwo community-based programs were identified that specifically run programs to developself-esteem of young people at risk of dropping out of education. The Western Bulldogs FootballClub (Footscray) use football culture as the focus for attracting young people into theirmotivational skills training programs. Most participants learn about the Program throughpersonal contact/‘word of mouth’.The second example is located in the Latrobe Valley. Located a few kilometres south of Morwell,an alternative program is run for young males at risk of not completing their schooling due topoor attitudes and behaviour. Schools refer students to the program, which is supported withfunds from the Latrobe Valley District Schools. This program taps into students’ personalgoals and ‘real life’ issues that affect male youth to assist them to develop literacy and numeracyskills, team building and interpersonal skills and modify behaviour.Integrated Services DeliveryThese programs are typified by their multi-focus approach to assisting young people at risk ofdropping out of education, or assisting those who have already dropped out with strategiesand support to access appropriate pathways. Youth workers or case management workers maybe the first point of contact as young people present with a range of life problems that prevent33