AFL SportsReady and CMY join forces to launch new Pathways to Work program
AFL SportsReady and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) have joined forces to launch the Pathways to Work program – supporting young people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The program will help place 100 young people into jobs over four years across the cities of Casey and Dandenong.
The launch included guest speakers Mr Kevin Sheedy, co-founder of AFL SportsReady, the Hon. Wade Noonan, Minister for Industry and Employment and participants of the program, Mustaf Aden, Ahmad Suleiman and Ali Nazari, who were on hand to share their stories of immigrating to Australia and their hardships of entering the local labour market.
“I arrived from Somalia, as a 15-year-old in 2010 without knowing a single word of English. It took me a year to get around the language barrier and then I went to high school. In the two years after graduating, I found it really difficult to find a job. I felt like no one was willing to take a chance and provide me with an opportunity to show what a hard worker I am,” said Mr Aden.
“Thanks to AFL SportsReady and CMY, I have this great job and I’m determined to make sure it’s successful. I am making the most of this opportunity.”
Pathways to Work provides young people with work experience, education options and employability skills that will see them achieve their goal of gaining and retaining a job. With the support of CMY, which has extensive experience helping migrant and refugee youth succeed in Australian society, the program hopes to engage with diverse local communities and inspire young people to work.
The Victorian Government has committed over $750K in funding to support the Pathways to Work program. Minister Noonan said, “Many young Victorians face barriers to employment in their local communities – and we want to turn this around.”
“This program – bringing together two highly-respected organisations – will change the lives of young people by giving them opportunities to shine in the workplace.”
AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery is excited about the positive change the program can achieve, “We are committed to improving career outcomes for young people and this is a natural progression for AFL SportsReady.”
“Victoria’s economy is changing. We need business and communities to come together to offer job opportunities for the next generation of young people.”
CMY CEO, Carmel Guerra OAM further highlighted the program’s importance, “Our purpose is to ensure that young migrant and refugee people have every opportunity to succeed and build better lives in Australia.”
“It is now more important than ever for businesses to provide young migrant and refugee people with an opportunity to create a future. Despite limited opportunity, it’s inspiring to witness their positive outlook and willingness to put in the hard work to succeed.”
“All they need is an opportunity to show what they can offer our workforce.”
++ ENDS++
MEDIA CONTACTS
Fiona Hawes
National Marketing and Communications Manager
AFL SportsReady
E: [email protected]
M: 0433 903 761
W: aflsportsready.com.au
Lisa Spurr
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
CMY
E: [email protected]
M: 0402 373 585
W: cmy.net.au
