Work-ready skills for Albany’s young people
Youth Great Southern partnered with Albany Worklink Inc to develop an educational initiative that equips disadvantaged youth in the Albany community with practical carpentry and construction skills. This program targets young people under 34, a demographic crucial for driving the region’s economic and community growth.
Program focus: Upskilling and empowering
Recognising the underrepresentation of young people in the Great Southern region, Worklink focused on in-demand trade skills to keep our young people in the region—and train them with marketable skills. The program aimed to provide participants with valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Together with local schools, Albany Youth Support Association, and other agencies, Worklink recruited participants for the program. The trial selection process included simulated real-life job applications, preparing young people for future employment opportunities.
Project activities: From planning to creating
Originally intended as a landscaping project for the Youth Precinct along Sanford Road, the program was restructured for safety reasons. Instead, participants focused on designing and constructing outdoor furniture for the Albany Youth Support Association premises.
Under the guidance of experienced construction mentors, participants successfully designed, built, and installed ‘timber pallet’ furniture. Throughout the project, they developed essential project management, communication, collaboration, and carpentry skills.
Impact: Building futures in the Great Southern
Youth development: The program provided young people with practical skills and career guidance, helping them progress towards their goals. One participant even enrolled in a carpentry pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE following their positive experience.
Community engagement: The project fostered connections between young people and local tradespeople and agencies. On top of that, the work showcased the participants’ ability to contribute to the community.
Future plans: Creation of a formally committed network to replicate this work model in future projects, ensuring continued opportunities for youth development in the region.
“Our participants were engaged with their mentors and peers, and developed practical skills and confidence during their traineeship. We provided an opportunity and pathway for these young people to play a role in developing a community space while connecting them to local work opportunities.”
Securing strong futures for Great Southern young people.
In partnership with organisations like Albany Worklink, Youth Great Southern is committed to creating pathways that secure strong futures for young people in the Great Southern region. We are always keen to collaborate with local organisations that share our values.
If you have a project in mind or would like to explore how we can work together, get in touch!