The first PCYC Fit For Work program to run in the Bega Valley is nearing its end and its participants already feel excited about entering the workforce.
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Yuin and Wiradjuri woman Mya Green-Aldridge said she was struggling while in Year 11 so decided to join the program.
"I decided to do it to help me find a job, help me look into what's out there and to get some work experience," the 16-year-old from Bega said.
"It feels good to get a job and do work experience and find out what jobs are all about.
"Hopefully, being Indigenous, I can help out my community. I'd like to help them do sports and health checks."
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Fit For Work is targeted at young people who are ready to make a commitment to entering the workforce and feel school may not be the best fit.
In consultation with the school, the program involves a 10-12-week course, with three days a week training with classroom learning, guest speakers, fitness activities and excursions, and a fourth day of work experience.
The 13 students in the program, aged 16 and 17, have just completed week seven, during which they sat down for mock interviews hosted by Bega and Pambula Rotary Club volunteers in a venue donated by Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services.
Another student involved in the program is Patrick Thompson from Merimbula, who said he joined it because he did not enjoy being at school.
"There's more one-on-one work [in Fit For Work]; at school you get an assignment and everyone does the same thing," the 16-year-old said.
He has already been offered a cabinet making apprenticeship which he is looking forward to, but said he would miss Fit For Work "because it's been good".
PCYC youth worker Melinda Check said participants in the program received a Certificate I in retail, a white card and a first aid certificate as well as work experience.
"The end goal is to get them in a TAFE situation where they know what they want to do and they're on their way, or into an apprenticeship," she said.
Senior Constable Sarah Bancroft said the program was part of the NSW Police Commissioner's RISEUP initiative.
"In a regional area like this it's really hard to get employment and some of the kids don't have the right backing behind them," she said.
"We're promoting their links to get out in the workforce and sustain that employment."