Partnerships offer career foundation for young Australians

A partnership between the retail industry and the Morrison Government will equip 200 young people with the skills and opportunities to start their careers.

The Australian Retail Association’s (ARA) Retail Ready Youth PaTH-Way Program offers retail specific training leading into employment for 200 jobs seekers aged between 15 and 24.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the ARA program is an innovative partnership between industry and the Australian Government.

‘PaTH Business Placement Partnerships is a trial program between the Australian Government and industry associations offering skills development and work trials to help young job seekers into identified jobs through industry-endorsed pathways,’ Minister Robert said.

‘Up to $10 million is available to industry associations to support the design and delivery of pre-employment pathways.

‘In line with the Morrison Government’s skills-led economic recovery, these initiatives are skilling hundreds of young Australians to ensure they are job-ready.

‘Industries across Australia are crying out for able and enthusiastic staff so what better time for employers to give young Australians a go.’

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth, said financial support was available for employers willing to take on young job seekers.

‘Businesses may receive a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 for employing eligible participants to help settle them into a workplace,’ Assistant Minister Howarth said.

‘The Morrison Government is committed to working hand-in-glove with these industries, and many others, to create even more employment and training pathways for young Australians.’

The ARA Retail Ready Youth PaTH-Way Program will run until June 30 across targeted regions in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.

The five industry associations running seven projects under the PaTH Business Placement Partnerships program are: the Restaurant and Catering Association; the Accommodation Association of Australia; the Australian Industry Group; the Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association.

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