Woolworths & Titans 4 Tomorrow join forces

Woolworths has joined forces with Titans 4 Tomorrow in a program that will give breakthrough opportunities for Indigenous students to enter the workforce.

The program launched last month has seen 11 students from Murwillumbah to Redlands each provided four days of work experience at Woolworth stores, with a view to the most impressive of them gaining part-time work.

Already two Tweed students have acquired part-time jobs from the program which will be invaluable in them continuing through year 12 studies and possibly into tertiary education.

Zeke Riley from Murwillumbah High is now working at Woolworths Palm Waters and Chelsea Wilson from Tweed River High School is at the Tweed City store.
Chelsea, a year 10 student, had had no joy in gaining part-time employment but her attitude during her work experience period has opened doors for her.
“It has really given me confidence, introduced me to new people and given me a better sense of the work place and teamwork,” Chelsea said. “I’m so happy to have some part-time work and income.”

The pilot program had certainly provided new opportunities for many Indigenous teenagers who had struggled to obtain employment opportunities or even job interviews, and given them new confidence and expectation.
T4T school-to-work program coordinator Cathy Dickson personally puts the applicants through a rigorous selection process before providing recommending to Woolworths. She follows up with feedback from the employers.

The program is an extension of the success T4T has had in increasing the numbers of Indigenous students progressing to year 12 of high school, in that it builds a bridge towards employment whether part-time while the students continue to study or possible careers with the company that employs 190,000 nationally. Several other large employers may soon also join the scheme.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to taste the work environment and Woolworths can offer an introduction to so many areas such as bakery, butchery, IT and working in their service stations,” said Cathy.

“It’s the logical step for our programs that encourage the students to go to year 12; giving them experience of a work situation and gaining feedback. We are very fortunate Woolworths have piloted the program as an employer.”
Year 12 student at Alexandria Hills, Malique Law, who had distributed her resume to many stores without gaining any employment, is enjoying her work placement at her local Woolworths outlet and is hopeful of gaining on-going part-time work.

“No one would give me an opportunity before so this is great, I’m enjoying it,” said the 17-year-old who wants to embark on a traineeship in medical administration.

Tanya Boyer, resourcing specialist at Woolworths, said the company is delighted to have joined forces with T4T to help Indigenous youth.

“We are in full support of the Titans program. The work experience gives the students the opportunity to make an informed decision if retail is a career they wish to pursue and assists with the transition from school to paid employment,” she said.

http://www.titans.com.au/