Youth unemployment is everyone’s Business on the Mid North Coast

Employers in the Mid North Coast are being encouraged to give young people a go in a bid to reduce the region’s high youth unemployment.

The Mid North Coast Youth Unemployment Rate currently stands at 21.6 % according to the Australian Government Department of Employment Labour Force statistics.

ETC’s CEO Jenny Barnett said while youth unemployment was a serious national issue, real strides can be made at a local level.

“As a community, we owe it to our young people to do all that we can to help them find and keep a job,” Mrs Barnett said.

“Keeping our youth busy and employed keeps them off the street, off the couch and out of trouble.”

Mrs Barnett said ETC was working closely with disengaged 15-21 year olds in the Mid North Coast in an effort to help them either return to school, undertake training or secure a job as part of the Transition to Work service (TtW).

“We offer a range of services designed to build their confidence, prepare them for the workforce and instil good work ethics. But we can’t do it on our own. Local employers are the key to helping our young people take the next step in their lives whether it’s a work placement, Traineeship or Apprenticeship,” she said.

“The good news is that ETC takes all the hassle out of recruitment for local employers by screening, shortlisting and interviewing job ready applicants, and at no cost to them.”

Mid North Coast TtW Operations Manager Nicky Baade said that ETC had a range of in house training programs aimed to engage and inspire young people to get out there and give work a go.

“Gaining skills and experience is a very important first step in anyone’s career pathway,” Mrs Baade said.

Port Macquarie youth Taylor Davis is hoping to find herself a fulltime reception job after having just completed her Certificate III in Business through ETC Training.

“This is my first ever qualification. My family and friends are very proud,” Taylor said.

“I learned about customer service, communication and computer skills.”

Taylor’s advice to other young people is once you find something you like – just go for it.

“You just have to believe in yourself,” she said.

For further information visit www.etcltd.com.au or contact ETC’s Business Relationship Advisors on 1800 007 400.