How a Transition Program is Helping Youth Into Employment

Introduction

Erica Weir, a 21-year-old from Adelaide, has transformed her life through Mas National’s TRAILS program. This initiative, part of the IntoWork Group, is designed to support young people aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of entering the youth justice system. The program combines hands-on skills training with personal development, aiming to boost confidence and employability.

The Challenge

Erica joined the TRAILS program after struggling with severe anxiety and social isolation. She had been long-term unemployed and was looking for a way to step out of her comfort zone. Her goal was to gain new skills and build her confidence, which she hoped would lead to better employment opportunities.

The Solution

The TRAILS program, facilitated by Lighthouse Youth Projects (LYP), uses the power of bike riding to foster personal growth. Over the course of three months, Erica and 12 other participants learned a variety of soft and hard skills, including trail building, bike maintenance, and parkland care. The program also included rewarding activities like hitting jumps and learning tricks, which helped to keep the participants engaged and motivated.

Erica found the program to be both enjoyable and educational. She appreciated the supportive environment and the practical skills she gained. “It was good to learn about the maintenance of the bikes as well as the tracks we were riding on. The program was a lot of fun to experience, and it was a great team of people teaching you along the way,” she said.

The Results

During her time in the TRAILS program, Erica made significant progress towards her goals. She achieved a First Aid certificate and secured a job at Hindmarsh Liquorland. Her outstanding efforts were recognised by Lighthouse Youth Projects, who awarded her a bike to help her commute to work.

Erica’s transformation was evident to everyone involved. Program Coordinator Paul Kitchen noted her remarkable growth in confidence. “She had never done any manual work before, so the trail building and bike riding were entirely new experiences for her. By the end of the program, she was not afraid to speak up or share her opinions with the group. Now, she’s a confident young lady who has started her first job at Liquorland. Well done to Erica and the entire TRAILS team for helping her build that level of confidence to move onto employment,” he said.

Conclusion

The TRAILS program has been a life-changing experience for Erica Weir. It provided her with the skills, confidence, and support she needed to overcome her challenges and secure employment. Erica’s success story is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in helping young people at risk of entering the youth justice system. Her advice to others considering the program is clear: “People should definitely give the program a go. You meet a lot of people while you’re there and learn a lot of skills that you can actually use to help you into employment. If you are in some kind of rut like I was, it’s a really great program to be a part of. None of us ever expected me to go into retail, but it’s given me a new respect for people who do work in retail, and I’m loving it so far.”