“Get a job!” — the cry that’s been hurled at youth down the ages. Simple and succinct — yes; rude and crude — definitely but helpful? Not at all. It assumes that jobs for young people are there for the asking, that any job will do and ignores hopes, aspirations and abilities.
That epithet and the people who utter it also ignore the massive competition in the pool of young unemployed — especially for those who leave school early. Youth unemployment can be a bit like the weather — everyone talks about it but no-one does anything.
Except that someone really is doing something. Two organisations have together received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships for their work in helping make local youth more employable.
For the past five years, Chess Engineering and not-for-profit Canterbury Bankstown Career Connections (CBCC} have worked in partnership to bring work experience and workplace learning programs to local youth in Sydney’s Canterbury Bankstown region.
The area has one of the highest metropolitan rates of youth unemployment – officially 13% but some sources put it is as high as 25% – and also figures prominently on the SEIFA disadvantage index.
Chess and CBCC help and guide young people to make informed career choices by exposing them to the realities of work.
In acknowledging the Prime Minister’s Award which aims to promote a spirit of giving in Australian business, Chess CEO Steve Facer gave due credit to the staff of both organisations.
He also hopes that other companies follow Chess’ lead by getting involved in similar schemes to give students wider experience.
“While it’s all about giving something back to the local community, the programs have helped us to recruit apprentices,” he said.
“The kids are given a real project which helps them learn about targets and standards, working for a boss and accepting workplace discipline. They soon realise that the wiggle room they have at home is not as effective in the workplace — especially with safety.”
Not all students are attracted to mechanical engineering but all of them benefit from the experience of being in a working environment.
“We do get one or two who are disruptive and they don’t last,” Facer said.
“The rest get a sense of achievement out of finishing a project which is usually a piece of equipment for their school. Running these programs can be a bit intrusive but the results are worthwhile — the beaming smiles we see are testament to that. Our team gets a kick out of working with these kids and our apprentices get to shine as role models.”
While federally-funded CBCC liaises with schools to identify suitable candidates, Chess Engineering offers the hands-on programs together with supervision, materials and real experience of the industrial environment.
Facer also acknowledges CBBC’s professionalism and can-do attitude.
“There a lot more kids in the long term unemployed figures if it wasn’t for the work CBCC puts in. Being recognised for this is the icing on the cake — but it’s how the kids turn out that really matters”.
Deb Simonds, CBCC’s chief executive concurs while praising Chess Engineering’s support: “Partnerships with industry are central to our success.” she said.
“It’s wonderful that one of our key employers is recognised for their contribution and commitment in support of local youth.”
Five years ago, only one of the 34 schools in Canterbury Bankstown taught metalwork as a vocational subject. Since the introduction of the Chess and CBCC initiative, there are now three providing the opportunity to develop traditional trade skills.
Chess Engineering’s contribution to the community and to industry at large is not confined to it’s work with CBCC. The company also advised the local TAFE on engineering matters and actively supports the Australian Industry Group’s apprenticeship recruitment program.
www.chessindustries.com.au
www.careerconnections.net.au
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