A PROGRAM to help young people identify what they want to do in terms of employment – and gaining support to secure it – has paid off for a Derwent Valley resident.

In usual times, Tasmanians in years 11 and 12 are completing school and getting ready to take the next step and either continue learning or join the workforce.

However, Covid disrupted the plans of many young people, which has prompted the establishment of a Youth Employment Alliance initiative.

Supported by the State Government, Youth Navigators helps connect young Tasmanians with opportunities.

Derwent Valley student Nic Kaiser finished school last year.

He was introduced to Youth Navigators at a jobs fair in December and, now has a traineeship in business administration, starting this week.

“The Youth Navigators program is all about bringing the community together to help young Tasmanians achieve their goals and navigate the transition between school and adult life,” Renee Frost from Youth Navigators said.

“We started by finding out what Nic was really passionate about and helping him make the right connections.
“We helped him with job applications, study applications, job search support and even with things as simple as arranging transport to and from job interviews.”

One of the organisations helping is Troublesmiths.

Troublesmiths Facilitator, Megan Denne, said Nic completed Troublesmiths’ seven-week work experience program.
“Our role is to empower people like Nic through work experience and helping them with personal growth,’’ Ms Denne said.
“It’s great to see people learn and develop through our programs and to achieve their goals.”

Work and Training also helped Nic gain a traineeship.

Spokesperson Rick Daniell said Nic was just one of the many young Tasmanians they’ve helped recently.

“With all the projects being delivered at the moment and the range of state and federal trainee and apprenticeship incentives there are a lot of opportunities for Tasmanians,” Mr Daniell said.

Anyone interested in talking to a Youth Navigator can find more information at http://www.youthnavigators. com.au