A GROUP of local young job seekers are ready to take the next step towards their dream careers after taking part in the Australian Government’s Youth Jobs PaTH initiative at the TAFE SA Mount Gambier campus.
The 11 participants aged between 15 and 24 – all of whom have been referred by local Jobactive networks – have learnt a range of skills to assist them in their employment goals through the creation of a small shop.
Set up at the local campus, the participants have learnt how to successfully run a business and attract customers by selling clothes, ornaments, plants, books and food with all funds raised donated to the South East Animal Welfare League.
Deciding themselves on the products to sell, the prices and the layout of the store, operations supervisor Karen Richards said the skills learnt have been beneficial to all participants.
“They are a really good group of people and I don’t think any of them are unemployable,” she said.
“The store has been very busy and through the participants’ own decisions you could see how more customers were gained over the three weeks.”
Participant Troy Andrews said although he was not looking to pursue a career in retail, the program had provided him with skills that would be useful in any field.
“It’s made me more motivated to find my dream job of working with small animals,” he said.
“My confidence has really grown and I feel comfortable speaking to and approaching people.”
TAFE SA Youth PaTH officer Karen Lamb said the activities have been extremely successful and the participants are excited to enter the workforce.
“The aim of this program is to provide the employability skills that employers are looking for and assist each of the participants to be successful when they enter the workforce,” she said.
“In the short time they have been with us, the participants have been extremely enthusiastic and their confidence has grown as they have developed their skills.”
A second block of three week training will focus on job preparation, interview skills and an industry awareness experience.
To be eligible for the training, job seekers need to be aged between 15 and 24 and registered with a Jobactive provider.
