Federal Member for Hume has applauded the Transition To Work (TTW) program which is helping students with a disability find employment.

Mr Taylor said he had spent time with support workers at Job Centre Australia and several TTW participants on a recent visit to Young.

“I am delighted with the success of this program. There is a strong need in small rural communities to help secondary students into work, particularly those who don’t have the same head start as others.”

He said the program provided life skills and employment training – such as budgeting, how to prepare a resume, interview skills, social skills, community awareness and securing a driver’s licence – which were necessary for gaining work and workplace security.

Young TAFE student and former Young High School student, 19 year old Chloe Blair, is completing a TAFE Certificate III course in Children’s Services as a participant in the TTW program. She said the Young Job Services Centre had organised work experience for her in local childcare centres, as well as assisting with her TAFE study.

“Money handling was hard for me. I could never figure out how much change you had to give people. Through TTW, I’ve been involved in garage sales and fundraising and I’m now okay with money.

“Getting to know the kids at their level is the most rewarding part of working with children. I’d like to find a job in a childcare centre and work with kids.”

Mr Taylor encouraged schools and the local community to support the TTW program by raising awareness about its success stories. He said further information was available through Young Job Centre Australia on 6382 3222.

Caption: Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor with Young TTW support worker Tai Seuao and TTW participant Chloe Blair earlier this week.