Community-based organisation Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) is connecting youth with local business to inspire a future workforce in areas experiencing labour shortages.
Delivering a Queensland Government employment initiative, VPG is supporting young jobseekers to gain in demand work-ready skills and training in preparation to enter the workforce.
VPG Chief Executive Officer, Maryanne Tranter says an essential component of the initiative is industry visits facilitated by local businesses.
“For young people to dream and hold aspirations, they need to know of, and have access to, opportunities, resources and networks that can promote and develop their talents.
“With the generous support of local businesses, our participants are visiting a broad range of industries and learning about a variety of career possibilities that are out there.
“Industry visits are also a great way for local employers to market opportunities and source their future workforce.
“We can’t thank the local business community enough for their generous support investing in young people as they prepare to transition to working life,” said Ms Tranter.
Working in partnership with VPG to provide learning experiences for youth is leading Far North Queensland civil construction company Robinson Civil Group (RCG).
Caytlyn Mead, RCG Chief Executive Officer says the organisation is committed to building a robust, local workforce that provides opportunities to entry level workers.
“Providing training and professional career opportunities for our employees is a key pillar of our business model and is close to our heart.
“For years Robinson Civil Group has been providing ongoing training opportunities in the local community to inexperienced workers who are seeking an entry and ongoing career opportunity in the construction industry.
“This enables us to build and maintain a skilled and motivated workforce and to provide stable and ongoing employment in the local community,” said Ms Mead.
Ms Tranter encourages local businesses to get behind youth to create positive change.
“When young people have access to the right opportunities and social networks, we can develop their abilities and steer them towards real solutions – real jobs, real education, and real community connections – enabling them to achieve fulfilling and independent lives.
“Providing opportunities to explore local pathways, we’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to employer champions who are standing by our young people, like Robinson Civil Group, as well as Howe Farming, Rockridge, Flourish Plants, Skybury, Berry North and Advanced Rural, just to name a few.
“We invite more local employers to support the initiative in the way of industry visits and work experience to help us create enriched learning experiences for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Ms Tranter.
For further information on how to get involved, phone VPG on 4032 1677.
