By Victoria Stone-Meadows
AFL Sportsready and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) have joined forces to place 100 young people from Casey and Dandenong in work over the next four years.
The pathways to work program will support young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to gain valuable educational and workplace experience.
The program will see the two not-for-profit groups working closely with young people in Casey and Dandenong, providing links for young people to learn and engage with employment opportunities.
Pathways to Work supports young people through education and paid work options, traineeships and apprenticeships in growth industries in Victoria; allowing both workers and employers to build valuable future skills and networks.
At the program’s launch, program participant Mustaf Aden shared his experience of migrating to Australia and trying to find work.
“I arrived from Somalia as a 15-year-old in 2010 without knowing a single word of English,” Mr Aden said.
“It took me a year to get around the language barrier and then I went to high school. In the two years after graduating, I found it really difficult to find a job.”
“I felt like no-one was willing to take a chance and provide me with an opportunity to show what a hard worker I am.”
“Thanks to AFL SportsReady and CMY, I have this great job and I’m determined to make sure it’s successful. I am making the most of this opportunity.”
CMY CEO Carmel Guerra OAM said while they could support young people entering the workforce, it was equally important potential employers came to the table as well.
“It is now more important than ever for businesses to provide young migrant and refugee people with an opportunity to create a future,” she said.
“Despite limited opportunity, it’s inspiring to witness their positive outlook and willingness to put in the hard work to succeed.”
The program is being partly funded by a $750,000 commitment from the Victorian State Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said it was important for the government to engage in programs to assist the changing nature of the Victorian workforce.
“Victoria’s economy is changing. We need business and communities to come together to offer job opportunities for the next generation of young people,” he said.
“Many young Victorians face barriers to employment in their local communities – and we want to turn this around.”
“This program, bringing together two highly-respected organisations, will change the lives of young people by giving them opportunities to shine in the workplace.”
