More than 1445 young people in New South Wales have found employment through APM’s Youth Employment Service (YES) team.
The YES team was set up in August 2017 by APM Employment Services to deliver the NSW Smart, Skilled and Hired Youth Employment Program in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Funded by the NSW Government, the program aims to help young people aged from 15 to 24 make positive steps into employment.
APM’s YES team had a target to support 478 young people in the region into long term employment – more than 26 weeks in work - by 2020.
At the start of this year the number of young people assisted into work was more than 1,445, with 598 in their current employment for at least 26 weeks.
As well as practical advice and learning to find and apply for local jobs, the YES team works with young job seekers to coach and motivate them to seek suitable work and take the first step to a lasting and rewarding career.
Each job seeker who enters the program receives tailored support depending on their circumstances.
While some job seekers get help with resumes and cover letters, others receive support to gain valuable work experience with local employers, or access to suitable training courses to meet the requirements of in-demand job roles.
Additional support available in the program includes assistance with housing and independent living, help with transport and driving lessons and support for managing mental health conditions.
As well as 1,445 job seekers gaining employment, the YES team also supported 1,100 young people with overcoming barriers including health, training, and lack of required equipment, to boost their chances of finding a job.
APM Employment Services CEO Karen Rainbow said the success of the program in NSW emphasised how important the first steps to employment are for young people.
“We’re delighted to have supported so many young job seekers in New South Wales with the YES program,” she said.
“APM’s teams in New South Wales are already experienced in supporting job seekers to overcome challenges to employment through the jobactive and Disability Employment Services programs, so we were confident the YES program would be a success in the Hunter and Central Coast communities.
“It also highlights the importance of our strong relationships with local employers who are key to the program’s success by giving job seekers a chance to make their start in a new career with our support.”
If you're an employer looking to increase your workforce with young enthusiastic workers with the right skills, supports and motivation, contact our YES team at apmyes@apm.net.au or call 1800 276 937.
YES for Abbey
Abbey came to APM when she was unable to find enough work to meet her needs and was facing the threat of homelessness.
As an underemployed young person Abbey was eligible for the program and Suzanne from the YES team was able to help her access support for personal and financial issues, as well as assisting her with new resumes.
With Suzanne’s help, Abbey was able to secure an apprenticeship at a local hair salon and supply her with the necessary tools to start in the role.
Abbey is now being mentored at the salon and is continuing to expand her growing skillset in the beauty industry.
YES for Blade
The YES team welcomed Blade to the program after a referral from his grandmother.
Blade had left school before completing his education and struggled with his confidence as a result of bullying.
Working with Adam from the YES team, Blade was slowly able to come out of his shell, access support and gain the confidence to enter a traineeship at a local Subway.
Adam also helped Blade get the clothes and footwear he needed for work.
After six months in the role, Blade is still going strong, with support to maintain positive mental health and achieve goals in his personal and work life.