Up to 20 young people in the New England region will be supported to improve their literacy and numeracy skills while achieving machine operation accreditation thanks to $50,000 in funding from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF).
Delivered by BackTrack Youth Works, participants will learn how to operate machinery such as forklifts, tractors and heavy vehicles as part of the 12-month program which is designed to equip disadvantaged young people with the skills they need to enter the workforce.
It’s one of nine projects to receive funding from NPCF’s latest funding round, where $750,000 of funding is being distributed across regional NSW.
This funding supports the delivery of projects and programs aimed at improving community health and social wellbeing, with the New England region also benefiting from the rollout of Aruma’s Calm Cove sensory program.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson Paul Juergens said these recipients are uniquely tied in their mission to improve the local community.
“It’s wonderful to see such amazing work happening in the New England and we feel privileged to support BackTrack and Aruma on their mission to improve wellbeing across the region,” Mr Juergens said.
“While these projects are unique from one another, something they have in common is the sense of belonging, empowerment and support that they are creating in our community – it’s incredibly moving.”
BackTrack Youth Works CEO, Marcus Watson said the funding will help empower young people in the region by helping them gain practical skills and qualifications.
“Over the next 12 months, our young people, who have very complex challenges that marginalise them from training and employment, will complete their courses and then also have the opportunity to embed their learning with tailored training at the BackTrack farm, Cubba Cubbah, on the outskirts of Armidale,” Mr Watson said.
“This means they’ll have the chance to practice using machinery in a space they’re familiar with.”
“With this support, we’re giving young people in regional communities the skills, confidence, qualifications and experience they need to change their trajectory.”
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