Albany Skill Hire provides work skills and opportunities for local youth

Nineteen-year-old Malikye Miniter has recently completed a work skill program geared towards providing skills and opportunities for Albany’s youth. Mr Miniter left high school before finishing Year 12 and faced barriers when trying to gain employment, one of which was the limited transport options in Albany. The 19-year-old enrolled in Albany-based Skill Hire’s General Education Program that aims to provide career opportunities for young people. “There were a lot of issues, mainly with transport because there aren’t many options here,” Mr Miniter said. Part of the program is to participate in Keys4Life to help gain a driver’s licence, which Mr Miniter completed over three days. “Since I didn’t get my learner’s permit in high school, I did the course and now it’s just a matter of going to the Department of Transport to get it,” he said. “It’s a really good opportunity to build up some skills and get some qualifications.” Mr Miniter said that although the program challenged him, he found it straightforward and highly rewarding. “I thought it was going to be pretty challenging, but I ended up pulling through and completing it,” he said. “It was pretty straightforward, and I am excited to reach a point of employment.” Mr Miniter now holds a white card, a first aid certificate and an RSA as a result of the Skill Hire program and is optimistic about his future employment opportunities. Skill Hire education mentor Giles Roberts said the program was designed to empower Albany’s young people and provide them with skills and qualifications to enter the workforce or further their education. “The transport barrier is definitely a big one for rural students, and we are looking into how we can adapt the course to tick all the boxes and also find a way to deliver hybrid possibilities,” he said. “We are definitely solutions-focused and aim to cater the program to a diverse range of young people who may have struggled with traditional education for various reasons. “Our aim is to skill up specifically for gaining employment, re-entering the workforce and studying, as well as exploring small business enterprise options where suitable.”