By Staff Writer

Two hundred and sixty nine ‘at risk’ South-West Queensland youths aged between 15 and 17 will be given the opportunity to earn a second chance to learn under the Queensland Government’s Get Set For Work Program in 2007-08.

Originally trialled in 2003-04 as a safety net for school leavers, the program is primarily targeted at young people in their compulsory school participation phase who are disengaged or ‘at risk’ of becoming disengaged from mainstream education prior to completing Year 12.

Get Set for Work aims to address young people’s learning and employment needs through a combination of practically oriented activities focused on social skills, literacy/numeracy training, occupational skills, and work-based learning that cannot be addressed through other avenues.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, says the program is now being offered in more areas and organisations across the state.

"Get Set For Work projects give youth an alternative pathway into employment through practical activities to develop their work and social skills and assisting with literacy and numeracy when required," he said.

The program is designed to help young people to build a career and have access to training within their own community.

“And this year we are issuing participant ID cards so young people will be able to get concession travel, assisting them in accessing the program,” Mr Mickel said.

The 12-month projects will be delivered by community based organisations.

In South-West Queensland total funding of $1,360,750 will assist 269 young people in 12-month programs across several community based organisations.

New schooling laws were introduced in Queensland in January 2006, including a compulsory schooling phase and a compulsory participation phase. The compulsory schooling phase requires young people to stay at school until they reach 16 years or complete Year 10.