Joey Dix from Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals with new environmental officers Josiah Bowen and Sally Chapman, who signed up as part of a new My Pathway program.
JOB hunters looking for work experience and organisations needing workers will be connected under the new Pathway to Real Jobs initiative.
Cooktown’s Josiah Bowen and Sally Chapman are the first to take part in the new program, coordinated by social and economic development organisation My Pathway, and have been gaining skills with Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals.
“There is plenty of on-country work, but it needs resourcing,” said Trevor Meldrum, the CYWAFA environmental operations manager.
“This initiative takes the pressure off employers that don’t have the resources but are passionate about employing locally.”
Pathway to Real Jobs aims to develop local capability and skills that lead to ongoing employment, and work experience participants take part at no cost to the businesses involved.
CYWAFA is the first local business to get on board, taking on Mr Bowen and Ms Chapman as environmental officers.
The pair are working with the CYWAFA team, gaining on-the-job skills and experience in conservation and land management.
Ms Chapman said she was excited to lead the way with the new initiative and encouraged others to get involved.
“Work experience is what is most needed to get off welfare and make a long-term change,” she said.
“I am excited to be involved in the paid work trial and being the first cab off the rank. I will be letting all the young ones know to speak to My Pathway about this.”
The program aims to expand as new host employers sign up across a range of industries, with positions readily available across the Cape.
