YEPP participants building real futures in construction and manufacturing
Updated: 5 days ago
Fifteen Youth Employment Pathways Program (YEPP) participants are gaining hands-on experience across construction and manufacturing, with three already securing ongoing employment and several more showing potential to move into apprenticeships. The results show what can happen when young people, local employers and referral partners connect around real workplace opportunities.
For 15 young people participating in the Youth Employment and Participation Program (YEPP), work experience is starting to translate into real opportunities, with participants currently undertaking placements across the construction and manufacturing industries.
The hands-on placements are giving participants the opportunity to experience a real workplace, build practical skills and gain a better understanding of where a career in the trades or manufacturing could take them.
And the outcomes are already starting to show.
Of the current cohort of 15 participants, three have secured ongoing employment, while several more placements are showing strong potential to progress into apprenticeships.
For YEPP, these outcomes are an important part of the program's purpose. Connecting young people with employers and giving them the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do in a workplace can be an important first step towards employment.
The success of the current cohort also reflects the businesses and organisations willing to open their doors and provide that opportunity. Local employers have supported participants through workplace experience, mentoring and exposure to the day-to-day realities of their industries.
Workforce Australia has also played an important role through its consistent referrals into YEPP, helping connect young people with a program designed to support their individual pathways into work.
The combination of referral networks, employer support and participant commitment is helping create stronger connections between young people and the local workforce.
The current cohort will celebrate the completion of their YEPP journey at a graduation ceremony on 30 September. It will be an opportunity to recognise the progress participants have made and the contribution of the employers, referrers and community organisations who have supported them along the way.
At the same time, preparations are already underway for the next Hervey Bay cohort, which begins on 29 September and the Gympie Region January 19, 2027.
The next group will have the opportunity to build their own skills, confidence and industry connections, with the support of the YEPP team and local employers.
The progress of the current cohort is a reminder of what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to get into a workplace, meet employers and start building a pathway towards employment.
For the businesses involved, it is also an opportunity to meet potential future employees and play a direct role in developing the region's workforce.
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