Rotary Richmond’s ‘Next Step’ Project a Proven Success
By Jo Cowling
The Rotary Club of Richmond has been serving the Richmond community for over 54 years,
working with local groups, businesses and government to support people in need in the community.
The Next Step Program is one of the Club’s signature projects and is designed to support, guide and prepare disadvantaged young people living and attending school in the City of Yarra for a career matching their interests and capabilities.
An experienced Youth Worker is employed to work with Collingwood Secondary College and teachers to identify those students who would most benefit from the program. The Youth Worker then builds a relationship with that student lasting two or three years, helping identify a career direction that matches the participant’s interests and capabilities using career guidance testing. Using City of Yarra and broader Rotary club networks, matching work experience is then identified. Business volunteers support the program with the development of job application/interviewing skills.
The program includes the development of interview skills, how to communicate effectively and how to apply for a job. Program participants are assisted with securing employment and further education. Results are fantastic with a success rate of 70% of participants completing the program commencing a career and/or further education.
The program has been supported by a number of local organisations, including sponsorship from the City of Yarra and Bendigo Bank’s Clifton Hill/North Fitzroy Community Bank® Branch.
During the COVID-19 period of 2020, the program was suspended, but Rotary Richmond is on the way to recommencing Next Step at Collingwood Secondary College in Semester 2 of 2021.
If you would like to know more about this highly successful project, contact the Project Chair, Jo Cowling at: jocowling@optusnet.com.au