Guide gives early school-leavers pathways to their future
27 August 2002
A new information guide is available to assist early school-leavers in Melbourne's north-west, and those who advise them.
The Pathway Information Guide provides comprehensive information on the support services and training or employment options available to young people in the north-west of Melbourne (covering from Sunshine across to Preston, in to the city and out to the Sunbury region).
It is a unique resource, bringing together for the first time a guide to community services with information on alternative education programs, TAFE courses, apprenticeships and traineeships, and jobseeking advice and services.
The Pathways Information Guide was produced by North West Pathways, a service of Kangan Batman TAFE which provides assistance to young people in schools and TAFE. It provides support and information to help them develop their pathway through education and training into employment.
The publication is available in both printed and CD-ROM formats, and has been written in everyday language, making it easily accessible by young people.
The guide was officially launched at Kangan Batman TAFE on 21 August by the Salvation Army's Divisional Social Program Manager, Captain David Eldridge, who praised the comprehensiveness of the guide.
"Young people these days are walking a tight rope above an abyss. What they need is a net to catch them if they fall off, and a ladder to climb back on. But ultimately what they need is choices. For young people we need to focus not just on their welfare issues but on their futures," he said.
Speaking at the launch, Kangan Batman TAFE Director John Parish said the development of the guide was an example of "the institute's particular commitment to working with schools and the community to assist 15-19 year olds".
"The Pathway Information Guide provides young people and the workers who support them access to knowledge they may never have found elsewhere."
The launch was attended by representatives from the Commonwealth and State education departments, Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs), secondary colleges, industry associations, and employment and community services within the region.
The guide was developed with funding from the State Government through the Office of Training and Tertiary Education, and the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training-funded Career Transition Project (CATS).
The price (which covers production costs only) is $22 for the printed booklet, $11 for the CD-ROM version or $26 for both (includes postage and GST).
Telephone North West Pathways on (03) 9254 3006 for an order form.
