Young people exiting the justice system, including those in Whittlesea and Hume will be better supported through a new jobs initiative to help them have a better future.
The state government is funding a hiring program that will help at risk youth develop a career plan, receive job readiness training and learn critical skills to improve long term employment prospects as they prepare to re-enter the community.
Jobs Victoria mentors will work with 50 to 100 young people aged 17 to 21 in a pilot of the program, to help them to find and maintain a job, providing continuous support for the first 6 months of employment.
The $220,000 program is designed to provide real employment opportunities for people who have the highest risk of being incarcerated.
Employment Minister Jaala Pulford said the program would provide young people leaving the justice system with someone in their own community that they know and trust, to support them to find and keep a job.
“These young people have their whole lives ahead of them and a well-supported transition to employment will benefit them and their employers alike.”
