Brotherhood and South East Water launch program to help tackle high youth unemployment

Published
20 December 2016

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has launched an intern program with South East Water in Frankston, and we are urging other businesses in the Frankston-Mornington Peninsula area on Melbourne’s outskirts to get on board to tackle high rates of youth unemployment.

Brotherhood and South East Water launch program to help tackle high youth unemployment

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has launched an intern program with South East Water in Frankston, and we are urging other businesses in the Frankston-Mornington Peninsula area on Melbourne’s outskirts to get on board to tackle high rates of youth unemployment.

With youth unemployment close to 13 per cent nationally, our research has found a quarter of jobseekers aged 15 to 24 say a lack of access to transport is a key work barrier, and 61 per cent don’t have a driver’s licence. Brotherhood Senior Manager, Transition to Work Nick Orchard says transport is a big problem for young people in the Frankston-Mornington region, so developing local employment and training opportunities is a key focus of the TTW program, which has placed three interns with South East Water.“South East Water and other employers we work with are proving programs that give talented young people training and work opportunities can also make good business sense,” he says. “We would love to join forces with more local businesses to provide talented young people with opportunities for workplace tours, work experience and employment.” Rebecca, 19, says the three month business internship will give her a chance to prove herself and set off on a new path, beyond the insecure, casual work she has had on and off since she left school.“I left school halfway through Year 11 thinking I could just go out and get a job, but I was definitely mistaken. I didn’t have any experience so it was hard,” she says. “This internship has opened up a new door for me. I’m excited to try something new and just get out there.” Interns Vicki and Aaron take a tour of the new South East Water building in Frankston South East Water Customer General Manager Hamish Reid says the internship program fits perfectly with South East Water’s business strategy. “When we moved our head office to WatersEdge in Frankston last year, a central part of the relocation strategy was to establish strong relationships with local communities and businesses. We are delighted to give these young people the chance to develop their skills and get a foot in the door to a career.”

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