More public housing tenants are now employed and seeking training pathways thanks to a successful employment program funded by the Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) in collaboration with the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
The ‘Shout Out’ Program, launched in February 2017, has helped young tenants living in Fitzroy, Flemington, Carlton, Collingwood, and Richmond find employment and training pathways.
As part of the program, 24 participants aged between 16 and 30 undertook tailored training workshops in interview preparation and the crafting of resumes and cover letters. As a result, over 80 per cent have now found training pathways, with others employed in the disability, transport, community and administration sectors.
During the program, one participant said “I wish I had known these things earlier. This is going to make a big difference for my next opportunity.”
The Brotherhood of St Laurence was selected to deliver the 12-month program because of its leadership in innovative employment and training programs in Melbourne for more than 20 years.
Mark Feenane, Executive Officer of the VPTA, praised the success of the program.
“Young people in public housing have the same hopes and aspirations as everyone else. It is great to see this program has helped set young tenants up for a successful future.
What it shows is that with some tailored support, disadvantaged people can compete on merit in the job market and find meaningful work. We’d like to see more programs like this in the community.”
Seed funding for the program was provided by the VPTA over a 12-month period. For further information about job opportunities and support, tenants are encouraged to visit their local Work and Learning Centre.
CARLTON – Brotherhood of St Laurence, Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton / (03) 9347 2750
FITZROY – Brotherhood of St Laurence, Centre for Work and Learning, 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy / (03) 9288 9900
BALLARAT – Ballarat South Community Hub, 11 Tuppen Drive, Sebastapol / (03) 5329 3274
GEELONG – Norlane Community Centre, 39 Rose Avenue, Norlane / 0437 655 360
SHEPPARTON – SalvoCare, 27 Wyndham St, Shepparton / (03) 5820 8000
MOE – Gippsland Employment Skills Training, 44 Albert Street, Moe / (03) 5127 4544
Alternatively, public housing tenants can contact their local Jobs Victoria partner via https://jobs.vic.gov.au/looking-for-work/jobs-victoria-partners