Young people in custody are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to a partnership between Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW, which is rolling out trade qualifications across all six Youth Justice Centres.
Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib and Minister for Skills Steve Whan recently visited Riverina Youth Justice Centre to see the trades in action, with a barbershop, café and crane service all ‘open for business’ on the day.
Minister Dib received a haircut from a young person in the first dedicated barber shop across youth justice centres in NSW, called Jack of all Fades.
Following on from a successful Try a Trade Day at Riverina Youth Justice Centre in June last year, the centre has been focusing on providing more trade opportunities for young people.
As part of the Try a Trade Day, five businesses visited the centre and taught young people about trades including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics.
Since December 2022, more than 200 young people across the six centres have had the opportunity to learn more about new skills and trades as part of the Try a Trade program.
Riverina Youth Justice Centre runs a range of trade programs to get young people work ready, such as food technology, barista training, woodwork, metal work, construction and fabrication, brick and block, white card, manufacturing and engineering, barber shop training, first aid and emergency care, traffic control, and Certificate II in agriculture.
Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:
“I was delighted to be back in the Riverina this week, to have a coffee made by the young people training as baristas and to have my hair cut by one of the young men learning how to be a barber.
“One of the many ways we support young people in our care at Youth Justice is to give them real life skills so they can get a job and rebuild their lives.
“The hospitality, barista and barber training we have going on here are just three of the many trade qualifications being rolled out across the six Youth Justice Centres in NSW.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“Regardless of what their history is, every young person deserves to be set up for success and given equitable opportunities to pursue a career or further education. Getting an income is a key part of helping people to avoid re-offending in the future.
“Initiatives like the Shepherd’s Park School ensure a seamless transition back into society for young offenders where they can become engaged and skilled members of the community.
“Not only are we empowering young people with the skills and qualifications in their chosen trades, we are also giving them the self-confidence to take back control of their futures.”