Local businesses welcome new Youth Initiative

Eighteen businesses in Kempsey and Port Macquarie have taken on youth interns as part of a new Commonwealth Government strategy to address high levels of youth unemployment on the Mid North Coast.

Local businesses such as Lush Skin & Beauty and Eastland Truss & Timber have jumped on board with internships.

Employers are now able to trial young unemployed people through these PaTH Internships, which are short placements for 30 to 50 hours per fortnight to see if they are right for each other. The young people volunteer for these intern positions so have high levels of motivation. Employers do not pay any wages during the internships and receive an incentive payment of $1,000.

21-year-old Kempsey resident Telisha Brazier is now grinning from ear to ear to be working full-time with Lush Skin & Beauty after completing her internship. Telisha says, “The internship gave me a chance to show that I am really keen to work, am reliable and a quick learner. It helped me get my foot in the door. I’ve now got a good job in the health and beauty industry so I’m really happy.”

Lush Skin & Beauty owner Kim Cochrane says, “Telisha has now become a valuable member of our team after completing her internship. As a new business, finding suitable staff was very important. The ability to trial Telisha through the internship allowed her to show me her skills, work ethic and suitability to the role and I am very happy with her.”

Dave Kearsey, TURSA Youth Mentor, who helped organise the internship says, “This new way of trialing potential employees is proving very popular and already six local unemployed youth have gained ongoing permanent work from internships. Businesses that employ interns can receive up to $10,000 in wage subsidies and incentives so it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

For further details about the PaTH program please don’t hesitate to contact your local TURSA office.