A new project will help students from remote communities in the Torres Strait and Cape York to successfully move from school into employment.

During a visit to Cairns today, the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, joined the Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, to announce

Australian Government funding of $294,640 for the new School-to-Work Transition project.

The funding is being provided under the Government’s Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP). 

The project will involve AFL Cape York working with Djarragun College in Cairns to engage a program co-ordinator for two years to support Indigenous students moving from school into work.

The project builds on the success of the AFL Academy program which helps Indigenous youth from remote communities to access educational opportunities, skills training and employment pathways.

“The Australian Government recognises that young Indigenous people from remote communities can face many barriers in making a successful move from school into employment,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This new project will see Indigenous students at Djarragun College receive personalised mentoring support to help them make choices when considering employment after finishing school.

“A project coordinator will be appointed to develop and put into practise a school-to-work transition strategy, which will provide students with a range of options towards employment including via work experience, training, school-based apprenticeships and direct employment.”

Mr Turnour said the mentoring aspect of the project was important to provide students with support when making decisions about their future careers and employment.

“This project will give Indigenous students at the college the skills and confidence they need to successfully make the move from school to work,” Mr Turnour said.

“The project will encourage Indigenous students to become active and positive role models in their communities.”