The government has unveiled an $840 million youth jobs package in the federal budget that may help lower Warrnambool’s high youth unemployment rate.
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The Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) program will be available to up to 30,000 young people in employment services each year.
Earlier this year, the youth unemployment rate in Warrnambool was found to be 9.6 per cent compared to the city’s overall unemployment rate of 2.4 per cent.
The jobs program consists of three stages including skills training, a four to 12 week placement during which interns receive $200 a fortnight and a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 for employers who provide an ongoing job.
Wannon Labor candidate Michael Barling described the program as a “Band-Aid” approach.
“They’re trying to close the gate after the horse has bolted,” he said.
“We’ve had a real focus on job creation for young people – we call it the Gonski reforms.”
“It’s a needs-based school package that targets five to 18 year olds and gives them skills.
“That’s what generates jobs and that’s what allows young people to be able to create jobs.”
Mr Barling said the concept of learning skills and doing a work placement was already encompassed in the education system.
“Schools are ready and crying out to be able to deliver those types of programs,” he said.