Youth unemployment is of significant concern in NSW. In 2021, Western Sydney was home to 39% of NSW’s unemployed young people, according to Youth Action’s Bearing the Brunt report.
The Next Steps transition program and the mentoring program are therefore essential services that Youth Off The Streets delivers with the support of Wenty Leagues: helping young people shift smoothly to work and further training.
Youth Off The Streets’ status as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) means it can provide a mix of accredited and non-accredited workshops, in disciplines ranging from construction to hospitality.
“It gives young people practice for the skills they’d need to succeed in employment,” says Mikaela, former RTO manager.
“I have a lot of ‘proud mum’ moments when our students score an interview or get a new job.”
Last year, 15 young people embarked on Next Steps. The outcomes of the program highlight their commitment to improving their lives — and break from the cycle of disadvantage.
Meanwhile, the mentoring program matches disadvantaged young people with adult role models. In 2014, the Mentoring Effect report found those with the guidance of a mentor are more likely to set higher educational goals and demonstrate better community engagement.
But employment skills are not the only things vital to personal development.
For most people, attaining a driving licence is the biggest step towards personal freedom. Yet for young people who lack familial support — or access to a car — everything from their mobility to their job prospects can be severely hindered.
The iDrive program helps young people accumulate driving hours with a volunteer mentor. So far, 16 young people have participated since the program began in September 2022.
Wenty Leagues’ contribution also enables Youth Off The Streets to offer young people the Safe Driver Course, as well as financial assistance for driving lessons and licence tests.
Chris, an iDrive mentor of four years, has seen first-hand the program’s benefits.
“One young person couldn’t take on a shop manager role because she couldn’t drive,” he says. “Once she got her licence, she could put her hand up to manage multiple outlets.
“Her success really put a smile on her face.”
For Chris, the experience is more than just a chance to accumulate driving hours.
“It’s an outlet for the young person to get things off their chest. If they want to open up about issues they’re facing, I’m there for them — to listen without judgement.”
Wenty Leagues’ support comes courtesy of ClubsNSW, who have partnered with Youth Off The Streets for over 20 years.
Find out more about Wenty Leagues’ ClubGrants community support.