WHILE most young people on the Mornington Peninsula have the benefits of living within strong family structures supported by positive role models and a sound education improving their job prospects – many do not.
That’s why the innovative Passport to my Future program is so important. The YMCA Peninsula Youth Service initiative is designed to give young people “a helping hand” to seek work placement and employment opportunities.
It provides employers with a better insight into the capabilities and achievements of young people keen to enter the workforce.
Rosebud Hotel is an enthusiastic founding supporter of the “Passport to My Future” program.
Owner Andrew Nikakis said the venture – launched at the hotel Thursday 13 September – could help “encourage, empower and educate young people in our local community”.
“The Passport to My Future program provides an opportunity for businesses to support and invest in the future of our local young people by giving them a helping hand into the workforce,” he said.
“Over time this will help cut our high youth unemployment rate and contribute to generational change across the Mornington Peninsula.”
Mr Nikakis said the program allowed businesses, big and small, to get involved.
“All we need do is offer interviews for work experience, work placement or future job opportunities to applicants holding their ‘passport’, or on their way to achieving it,” he said.
“We look forward to being involved in Passport to My Future for many years to come and I would encourage other businesses to do the same.”
Rosebud Hotel is funding the design and printing of the “Passports”, printed matter and social media exposure as well as workplace certificates, such as RSA, food handlers’ certificates or warehouse and manual labour tickets.
Also committed to the program are Peninsula Hot Springs, Castaways Resort Mission Beach, YMCA Frankston Skate Park, Stringers Sorrento, IGA Blairgowrie, Cartridge World Rosebud, Bass Coast Plumbing, Rosebud Cinema, and Horsley Transport.
Details: Contact YMCA Peninsula Youth Services manager Jeanette Horsley, 0448 916 724, or email: Jeanette.horsley@ymca.org.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 18 September 2018
