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Whitelion, the not-for-profit community organisation supporting young people at risk, today launched its respected and successful Employment Program in New South Wales.
At an event aimed at potential employers, a plea was made for more organisations to get involved in helping young offenders find long-term employment.
The initiative is being funded by a $409,000 grant provided by the NSW Government. Whitelion will work with young people from Western Sydney aged 15 – 24 who have been, or are at risk of being, involved with the juvenile justice system.
NSW Minister for Juvenile Justice Barbara Perry said she was delighted Whitelion was coming to Western Sydney, having operated in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania for ten years.
Minister Perry said: “The organisation has a proven track record in helping to provide young people at risk with real jobs for real wages.
“The Employment Program will help young people turn their lives around and make a positive contribution to the community, whilst giving employers the chance to give back, make a difference, and to gain a good employee.”
The program was selected by the NSW Government for its focus on social inclusion, independence and creating opportunities through direct employment, apprenticeships and traineeships.
Daniel Grollo, Chief Executive Officer of Grocon and supporter of Whitelion in Victoria, announced at the event that Grocon would kick start the NSW program by employing two young people from Western Sydney.
Mr Grollo said: “Whitelion makes it easy for us to make a difference to a young person’s life by providing us with the support we need to make it happen.
“Since Grocon formed a partnership with Whitelion in 2008, we have taken on five young people through Whitelion, three of whom are still employed by us.”
Mr Grollo was also joined by Whitelion CEO Mark Watt at the event which was held at Grocon’s 161 Castlereagh Street site, where the two young people will be based.
Mark Watt said: “When the Minister’s office approached us to bring our program to New South Wales, we felt privileged to be able to extend the reach of this life-changing program. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the NSW Government and local industry to provide positive outcomes for young offenders in Western Sydney.
“Secure employment and having somebody believe in their abilities builds confidence and helps these young people to realise their full potential. I am delighted that Grocon is entering the NSW market with us.
“Today is about encouraging all New South Wales employers to consider giving our young people the chance of a career and a fulfilling life.”
The Whitelion Employment Program has been successfully operating in Victoria, SA and Tasmania for 10 years, with more than 500 young people benefiting from employment. The program aims to engage 40 NSW employers in its first 12 months as well as 40 NSW young people, with a view to having between 15 and 20 in employment by this time next year.
Whitelion works with young people to determine a career path and gradually builds confidence through job-readiness skill development, work experience and short-term placement. The important ultimate aim is ongoing employment, with the young person receiving Whitelion’s ongoing support.
