Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging local employers to consider taking part in the Federal Government’s Youth Jobs PaTH programme as a way to create work opportunities for young Australians.

“The Commonwealth is investing $840 million in the Youth Employment Package, an innovative new programme that will help up to 120,000 young Australians get job-ready and equipped to enter the workforce,” Mr Taylor said.

“A key element to the Youth Employment Package is the Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) which will increase young people’s employability and provide them with the real work experience they need to obtain gainful employment.”

Mr Taylor said Youth Jobs PaTH presents an exciting opportunity to our local youth and businesses.

He is inviting local employers and businesses to consider participating in the Youth Jobs PaTH programme, which will include;

• Initial government funded training to get young Australians job-ready.
• Internships lasting 4 – 12 weeks, giving young job-seekers valuable work experience in a workplace. Participating interns will also receive up to $200 per fortnight in addition to their fortnightly welfare payment.
• Support for participating local businesses with upfront payments of $1,000 for taking on an intern. If businesses subsequently offer the intern ongoing employment, they will also be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $10,000.

“The Youth Jobs PaTH programme was developed using direct feedback from employers,” Mr Taylor said.

“We know local businesses want to employ young Australians, but we also understand they need applicants to have job-ready skills in order to make a valuable contribution to their business from day one.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to addressing youth unemployment across Australia, with unemployment levels in some areas unacceptably high.

“Innovative programmes have the ability to help both young job seekers as well as local businesses, and we encourage them to consider this exciting opportunity.”

Hume employers and businesses are encouraged to visit the Youth Jobs PaTH portal www.employment.gov.au/path.