Young people in regional areas have more support and an opportunity to transition into the workforce as the NSW Government creates vocational education and training pathways (VET) for regions with the highest unemployment rates in NSW.
Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro said the $8 million Regional VET Pathways initiative supports 15 to 19 year olds who study or work to find pathways into education, training and employment.
“The Regional VET Pathways program is a service designed to engage young people and help them pursue career opportunities they otherwise may not have had,” Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Barilaro said that Connect Northern Rivers (Richmond-Tweed), Mid Coast Connect Inc (Mid-North Coast) and Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre (Capital) had successfully tendered to deliver the services as part of the program.
“We are making sure young people have access to support and guidance to get into training or the workforce, to help tackle youth unemployment in NSW and keep our economy growing.
“Successful providers will deliver career mentoring, and assistance for young people when looking for work experience or transitioning into training and employment, including apprenticeships and traineeships,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Once the Regional VET Pathways program is fully implemented, an estimated 1,000 young people each year should be able to get additional support.”
