YOUNG indigenous graduates have bucked the youth unemployment trend with the help of WA’s largest transport and logistics company.
Trainees Taylor Kickett, Louise Smith, Tre Griffiths and Bradley Moore recently graduated at Centurion as part of its Frank Cardaci Traineeship.
Centurion is part of the eastern Perth suburbs – the third highest in the state for youth unemployment according to a recent report based on ABS data.
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READ NOWMundaring, Guildford and Ellenbrook were listed in the third-highest group with 15 per cent youth unemployment, ahead of Northam.
Centurion chief executive Justin Cardaci said the trainee program provided an opportunity for young people to change their circumstances and their lives for the better.
“The Frank Cardaci Traineeship is unique because it offers young people an environment where they can learn and grow both inside and outside of the workplace,” he said.
The program has been running for more than five years and indigenous affairs manager Justin Kickett said its success was down to the support from mentors in the business.
“Many of the young people I meet do not have the support at home to apply themselves to a job, and many are just not given a go,” he said.
“Lots of young indigenous people struggle to get into the workforce because they don’t have the qualifications and many of them haven’t finished high school.”
Graduate Louise Smith said the traineeship gave her confidence to try things she never thought she would.
“This opportunity has helped me become more independent and I’ve developed skills both within and outside of the workplace that will set me up for the future,” she said.
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