Partnering Employment Pathways This YWCA Shoalhaven mentoring program is targeted at young people aged 14 to 25, who are at risk of leaving school or of becoming long-term unemployed.  Young people, the 'mentees' are matched with mentors from the local community who assist them discover where their interests lie and help develop a career pathway through a series of career development workshops and fun activities. The Mentees are also placed into work experience placements with local business.  As a whole the program aims to increase re-connection with education and training, employment, family and the community. Mentors are carefully screened and receive training prior to commencement and mentees receive ongoing training and support. Funded by: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mentoring Program,  2009 September - December Personal Development and Career Discovery for Young Women The YWCA’s 2009 Partnering Employment Pathways program will focus on developing life skills and employability skills in young women at risk of disengaging or already disengaged from their education and career opportunities. The program will commence on Tuesday, 1 September at the Nowra Youth Centre and run every Tuesday 9:30 – 3pm for 15 weeks, and will include a work experience placement.   Eligibility:  Young women between the age of 14-19 currently in or out of school and unemployed young women between the age of 20-25.   The program will link participants with a mentor who will assist in developing skills as well as recognise existing skills.  Mentors will communicate regularly with mentees as well as attend sessions where appropriate. Mentor commitment will be approx 1½ hours per week for 7-10 weeks (2 full days requested, if possible, for special events).  Attendance at every session would be desirable but is not compulsory.    Participants will be able to discuss and experience different career opportunities via mentor discussions and work site visits as well as gain accredited training.   Proposed Topics: §   Communication skills §   Working with colleagues and customers §   Resilience Donut® program designed to develop resilience in young people. The process of working with the Resilience Doughnut® has the potential to strengthen the human spirit and build a sense of hope and optimism. §   Personal development – body image and personal presentation §   Public Speaking §   Career development skills will be discovered through the delivery of the Career Voyage program designed to assist young people and adults make good career decisions §   Learning to Manage your Money (Accredited) §   Responsible Service of Alcohol (Age Dependent - Accredited) §   Safe Food Handling (Accredited) §   Prepare & Serve Espresso Coffee (Accredited) §   Shopping Day – making good choices and purchasing work clothing §   Real Game – Visit to University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus & TAFE Career Advisors §   Work Experience Placement   Contact Person: For further details or enrolment information contact Sandra Lothian on 4423 8514  0433 408337  0433 408337 or email sandral@ywcansw.com.au