Youth unemployment is everyone’s Business on the North Coast

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

The North Coast Youth Unemployment Rate currently stands at 13.4 % 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 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 in-house programs 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, 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.”

According to North Coast TtW Operations Manager Toni Bellos, as a community it was important to offer employment to the youth as this supported them from having to move to the big cities to find work.

“Often if young people are unable to work, keep getting knocked back and given no chance, they just give up,” Ms Bellos said.

“Also having a job will mean that they will be able to pay rent and that way they won’t be homeless and sleeping on the street.”

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