A significant partnership between PCYC NSW and the Greater Charitable Foundation is being launched today to empower young people throughout the Hunter and Illawarra regions to reach their full potential and to prepare for their next steps in life with confidence.
The partnership, which includes a substantial contribution of $411,096, will support four Fit for Work (FFW) programs to be delivered in the regions over the next two years.
Delivered by PCYC NSW club staff, in close partnership with NSW Police and qualified Youth Workers, the FFW program includes young people aged 16 to 18 years, to address disengagement from their family, education and employment. Successful completion helps reduce and prevent involvement in anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and ultimately leads to employment. Youth become contributors to their local communities and society.
The program is delivered across a ten-week period in alignment with NSW school terms, where students attend three days per week, participating in various activities such as resume writing, mock interviews, work placement and other education designed to ignite confidence and motivation to transition from training to work experience then to full-time employment or apprenticeships.
PCYC NSW Chief Executive Officer, Ben Hobby, said “this program stands as a symbol of hope in the community, addressing the foundational causes of youth disengagement and providing a pathway to a brighter future, filled with the confidence that education brings.
“By partnering with the Greater Charitable Foundation, PCYC will now be able to deliver four Fit for Work programs in the Hunter and Illawarra regions. Together, we are not just changing individual lives, we are shaping the fabric of our future society, fostering a rising generation of resilient, skilled, and engaged community contributors.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Greater Charitable Foundation for their commitment to youth in these regions and for linking hands in true partnership with PCYC to create a elevated future for the community."
PCYC NSW Chief Executive Officer, Ben Hobby
Greater Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anne Long, said the Foundation is proud to support the delivery of the program in the Hunter and Illawarra regions.
“PCYC is such a strong pillar of the community and has a proven track record in providing effective, meaningful programs for the community, just like Fit for Work,” Ms Long said.
“The Fit for Work program is all about connecting with young people and giving them the support and guidance to make good decisions for the next stages of life, be it education or joining the workforce.”
“Both of these regions have high rates of disengaged youth, so we are pleased to support the delivery of these programs to help re-engage these young people, ensuring they have the tools they need to put their best foot forward in life.”
“NSW Youth Week is a time to celebrate the contribution of young people in the community, which is exactly what this partnership is all about!”
With the support of the Greater Charitable Foundation, PCYC NSW will deliver two FFW programs in the Illawarra and two in the Hunter Region.
Over the past four years, PCYC NSW has delivered more than 80 Fit for Work programs throughout New South Wales, providing meaningful pathways to employment, return to school, further education and training.
For further information about the Fit for Work program, please visit: https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/programs