Free training for young people to create their own jobs

Local schools can sign students up for a free seven-week training program which aims to help them start their own business - but they need to get in quick, there are just 100 places sponsored by Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The Creating Your Future Job initiative is a self-employment program for youths aged 15-24 years who are disengaged from school or at risk of disengaging from mainstream education and employment.

“This is a unique program that provides face-to-face training for youths and gives them real-world skills in an area of work that aligns with their interests, needs and abilities,” Mayor Flannery says.

During the seven-week program, students will identify local problems and be trained to brainstorm micro-business solutions.

“It will give them the skills and resources needed to start their own business, getting young people to think about how they can help us transform our economy for the digital age,” he says.

“COVID has changed the way we work, technology has changed the way we learn, the gig economy is disrupting usual employment pathways - I want this Council to continue changing too, so we keep up with the times.

“While this kind of initiative is outside the usual scope of a Council’s work, it’s the kind of thinking we need to deliver on the ambitions in our new Regional Economic Development Strategy in creating a bigger, bolder, brighter economy.

“We want to build a community of motivated and engaged individuals and help them turn their great ideas into successful businesses, so that they will stay, grow and employ more people in our region.

“I fundamentally believe that investing in young people is always a good investment, because it’s an investment in our future and the bright young minds that will grow our economy.”

How it will work

Launching in Term 4 2021, Creating Your Future Job will help develop young people’s entrepreneurial skills and generate an income for themselves.

Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE) Chief Executive Officer Taj Pabari says the program will help young people generate an income for themselves and their communities.

“Some of the most innovative ideas in history have been born in challenging environments,” Mr Pabari says.

“We want participants to start real micro-businesses that have the capacity to make real change in Moreton Bay.

“Creating Your Future Job Moreton Bay will equip participants will the skills, resources and mindset they need to start their very own micro-business right here and right now.”

Expressions of interest from schools or youth organisations are open until August 20, 2021. For more information visit the website.

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