Kirsty gives Fit for Work the thumbs up

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The holiday season is approaching, school is ending and young people face a 14.5% youth unemployment rate (Australian Bureau of Statistics, September 2020). The worst-hit areas are in outer Sydney, regional, and rural areas - the location of most PCYCs. Times are hard, and for some young people, life is even harder.

By the age of 14, Kirsty had attended 7 schools, life at home was complicated, and she was starting to "hang out with the wrong crowd." 

Kirsty never seemed far away from trouble. Her attention-seeking behaviour led to suspensions and fights at school. Out of school she was mixing with an older group leading unhealthy lifestyles.

In Year 9, the special needs teacher referred Kirsty to the PCYC Fit for Work Program. It promised pre-employment training, skills development and a pathway into a job if, and it was a big if, you were willing to step up and seize the opportunity. 

Kirsty didn't know what to expect but knew she was heading down a dangerous path. "We all sh@# ourselves on the first day when we saw the cops. But from the start we were treated differently. We weren't judged, we just got on with it, without the drama. We soon saw the Police officers as real people. Previously we'd have been cautious, looking over our shoulder, when police were around."

The Rise Up Fit for Work program gives young people like Kirsty a fresh start, a chance to re-set, imagine a different future and take practical steps towards it, without judgement about anyone's personal history. 

"It really woke me up. It showed me I could change my direction and look forward to a better life. My teachers noticed a difference when I went back to school. My behaviour and attitude were different,  I was in class, not in detention." 

The program helped Kirsty get a white card (meaning she could legally work on a construction site if she chose), plus training in first aid and retail. The instructors help with resume and interview skills too. Kirsty left school and has been working at Bunnings for a year now. She has learned to budget, she has paid her mum back money that she owed, and now she's getting her driver's licence and saving for a car. 

Kirsty is also actively seeking out good role models, and avoiding bad ones. She is in a much better space now, the difference is noticeable to all who know her; and Kirsty can see the difference too.

Rise Up early intervention programs were developed by NSW Police in partnership with PCYC to prevent crime. They engage young people through exercise, nutrition and mentoring. They reconnect disengaged youth - to family, education, culture and community. In the process young people develop life skills, respect and resilience. 

Fit for Work is a part of the Rise Up programs and provides practical pre-employment skills training. It runs 3 days per week for 10 weeks. In 2019 PCYC ran Fit for Work in 19 locations, with the generous support of people just like you.

Fit for Work costs $75,000 per location (15 people at $500/person/week). To run Fit for Work in every PCYC in NSW will cost $4.9 million. It gets results and is a great investment in the future of New South Wales.

Why PCYC needs your support

The Covid crisis means the need to help young people is greater than ever. Fit for Work makes a real and practical difference to young lives. Your donation directly helps a young person in need of direction, skills and mentoring. Please invest in the future of our youth, in partnership with PCYC, because together we can help our young people survive and thrive.

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