YMCA Partnership a Lifesaving Program

A new partnership between AFL SportsReady and YMCA Ballarat is supporting young people across the region to develop rewarding careers within their own community.

AFL SportsReady, a national traineeship provider, has teamed up with YMCA Ballarat to give senior secondary school students opportunities to gain on-the-job qualifications and pathways into careers within the sports and recreation sector.

AFL SportsReady Victorian state manager Paul Broderick said the program, based at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, was launched this year and had already proved a success.

“Just recently, one of the program’s participants, who is undertaking a Certificate III Sport and Recreation traineeship, used the skills gained through training and work experience at the centre’s pool, when a young swimmer got into trouble,” Mr Broderick said.

“The trainee, Jasmine Beaumont, played a role in the rescue of the swimmer, including performing CPR. The incident is a clear example of why proper training and education in the sports and recreation sector is so important.” Jasmine has completed a Level 2 First Aid course as part of the traineeship. 

“AFL SportsReady is proud to team up with YMCA Ballarat to create opportunities for both school-based trainees, like Jasmine, who are gaining great knowledge, experience and skills while taking part in the program,” Mr Broderick said. 

“It’s a fantastic partnership, where YMCA Ballarat provides the jobs and employment experience opportunities, while we provide the traineeship management and education aspect. In just our first year of this new partnership, we already have 12 participants, including four young Indigenous students, and we hope to grow that number each year.”

“AFL SportsReady is passionate about helping young people create a rewarding career in sport, recreation, business and other industries and we are proud of the high number of our trainees who go on to further study or work in their chosen fields.”

Ballarat YMCA Manager of Human Resources Jane Robson said initiatives like the AFL SportsReady partnership helped the YMCA provide unique hands-on work experiences and training opportunities for young people; opportunities that are often life-changing. 

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the AFL SportsReady team to deliver an interesting, challenging and enjoyable program for young people in the Ballarat area,” Ms Robson said.

“We’ve seen some really positive and encouraging outcomes for our current program participants and we’re excited to have more spaces available. Working with young people to help them realize their full potential is at the core of YMCA’s philosophy and this program will have a very real impact on our local community.” 

The AFL SportsReady program for 2013-14 has 20 places remaining. To learn more about the opportunity, two information sessions will be held, on:

 

• Tuesday, 30 July, from 5.30 – 7.30pm at Ballarat YMCA, 7 Lyons Street Nth, Ballarat
• Wednesday ,7 August from 5.30 – 7.30pm at Ballarat YMCA, 7 Lyons Street Nth, Ballarat. 

To book please contact Ballarat YMCA on 5329 2800. 
For more information on the Student Pathway Program, please view the following informational brochure: YMCA Ballarat. 

DATE: 17 July, 2013
IMAGE: Jasmine Beaumont, YMCA Ballarat Student Pathway Program 2013 Participant  

 

  

 

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