Taking The Next Step

PCYC Burdekin Prepares The Region’s Youth

Seven participants in PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program graduated at a ceremony held at the PCYC on Tuesday, November 28.

The Get Set For Work Program is a Queensland Government-funded initiative through Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivering intensive employment and training assistance to young people.

PCYC Burdekin offers the program to local young people aged between 15-19.

“We assist those disengaged from school who aren’t in work currently,” said PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott.

The 10-week program provides training for young people in small groups of up to 10 participants, giving them the opportunity to improve their skills and increase their chances of employment.

The program offers practical outcomes and accreditation, assisting participants in attaining skills and qualifications including a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, white cards, responsible service of alcohol, first aid and CPR.

Other skills focussed on in the program include team building, work experience, resume and cover letter writing and interview practise.

“The three things we chase for an outcome are either getting a job, going back to school or further training,” Mr Scott said.

“We get guest speakers in to talk about work ethic, what it is employers are looking for, the journeys of our local businesspeople and how they got to where they are today, and we also touch on the Indigenous culture in this area, so they get an understanding of what community is.”

A pick up and drop off service also supports the program while it compliments other programs offered at PCYC Burdekin, giving young people the best chance at employment or study.

“The biggest issue our participants face in getting jobs is a lack of having a license and transport,” Mr Scott said.

“Some of our participants haven’t got that family support so that makes it that little bit more difficult … so we assist the participants in getting registered in the Braking the Cycle program as well.”

Mr Scott congratulated the participants graduating from the last program of the year, telling them to continue to strive into the future.

“Just look for a job to get started, build up the self-confidence, skills and personal development,” he said.

“Just get that first job; it mightn’t be the one you want but at least it’s a start.

“Gain as much knowledge and skills as you can in what you’re doing to move on to the next job.

“From that first job, everything starts to build.”

Building on previous experience in student services, Mr Scott said he finds his role very rewarding.

“The biggest thing for me is seeing the development of the participants, talking to each other more and working as a team,” he said.

“Down the track you hear of participants getting a job or going back to school, so it’s about readjusting their attitude or giving them that confidence to achieve whatever they want.”

PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program will recommence in late January, 2024.

To find out more, contact Mr Scott on 0448 686 648 or email Rowan Scott rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au.

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PCYC Youth Worker Tamara Kemp, Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott, Domenik Woodford, Ryland Palmer, Megan Elsum, Kaitlin Post, Ebony Joch and Julia Prezesmycki. Absent: Maddison Davison and Robert Misick. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie