Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has praised PCYC Kempsey’s Step Up Program, which aims to help youth gain work experience while providing positive career and life choices.

Mr Conaghan said the program provided a smooth transition for youth into the jobs market.

Businesses were also beneficiaries of the program, he added.

“Businesses right across Cowper and more specifically in Kempsey are looking to employ more people, including young workers,” he said.

“PCYC Kempsey are providing this program that helps make youth in the area job ready by ensuring there is a smooth transition. It is also getting them ready for life.

“This is great for young people in Kempsey. This work will also help the business community who are keen to support this fantastic and innovative program.

“It is an important step to gain work experience because it sets you up on a career path and creates good life choices.”

PCYC Kempsey’s Anika Vidler says the Step Up Program is a pilot scheme targeting youth aged 14 years to 17 years.

It provides part-time employment while participants are still in the school system.

“The program’s aims are to encourage participation in the workforce from an early age, earning income whilst still at school and providing support to encourage career goals and pathways rather than future reliance on welfare support,” Ms Vidler said.

“This program will develop confidence and skills in applying for work through the preparation of a resume, knowledge of how to complete an application, preparing for interviews and personal presentation.

“Young people will also learn the rights and responsibilities of being a young worker and expectations of employers.”

The program includes opportunities for mock interviews and PCYC work experience, prior to connecting with local business for further work experience and employment opportunities.

This 10 week program runs weekly for 1.5-hour sessions. The pilot program will conclude in September with ongoing employment support provided.

Mr Conaghan said he encouraged young people, particularly in the Kempsey area, to talk with staff at PCYC Kempsey to gauge their eligibility for the program.

“I fully support this program and I look forward to seeing plenty of positive results as it unfolds over the next few months,” he added.

For more information on the Step-Up Program go to www.pcycnsw.org.au or call PCYC Kempsey on 6562-8399.