So, what is engagement?
Engagement is a process that helps to develop strong communities and stakeholders; it gives them the confidence to participate and develops their interest in being part of the solution. This, in turn, can build the cohesiveness and capacity of the community.
Building on this, youth engagement means ensuring young people are continuously involved in the structure and decision making processes of society. This engagement can occur in a variety of ways, and be informal or formal. To be effective, engagement should be continuous, representative and meaningful. Engaging with young people means that decisions, programs and services delivered to them are appropriate, relevant, supported and responsive to the needs of young people.
The right to participate
In Australian society, young people have a right to participate in and contribute to the decisions that affect them. These rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNROC) (Article 12 & 13). The UNCROC makes clear that all young people are independent subjects and therefore, have rights.
Why engagement is important
Young people are best placed to suggest solutions to government about the issues that affect them and their communities. Young people have a range of experiences, thoughts, ideas and perspectives that can enrich decision making processes and lead to more relevant and whole of community decisions, projects, policies, programs, use of resources and outcomes.
Our Process to ensure the engagement in our program
PHASE 1
ENGAGEMENT & INFORMATION SESSION
Is designed to introduce participants to the First Step Development program and the employment pathways available.
PHASE 2
WORK EXPOSURE
Focuses on life skills and on the job training. This stage also provides the participants with an insight into potential work opportunities available to them.
PHASE 3
WORK EXPERIENCE
Enables participants to identify a preferred career pathway and to be placed into an operational workplace to gain experience and further understanding about their chosen field.
PHASE 4
WORK PLACEMENT
Focuses on the participants that are work ready. Placements will be sourced, and the participants will go into traineeship/apprenticeship and other employment opportunities that become available through our partners.
PHASE 5
WORKPLACE SUPPORT
First Step mentors and trainers will provide ongoing support to the participants and employers to ensure long term positive outcomes.