YOUNG people learned more about emergency services and volunteer opportunities through a new initiative trialled this year.
Casey Council teamed up with the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Services and Victoria Police to provide an eight-week trial program by year 10 students from the Narre Warren South P-12 College. The program formed a part of the ‘work-ready’ focused Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said the benefits of the project were endless and had the ability to continue long after the participant completed the program.
“As part of the program, local emergency service agencies hosted specialist information sessions for the students to increase their emergency service awareness and knowledge of available volunteer opportunities,” Cr Stapledon said.
“Council is devoted to providing young people across the municipality with varied volunteering opportunities which provide them with a broader sense of community and belonging.
“The Get Involved! Opportunities for young people in the community program is an excellent example… not only for young people, but also for the emergency service agencies and the wider community.”
During the program, which began on Friday 26 April, students were given the opportunity to complete a first-aid course, Workplace Level One, from St John Ambulance and to tour the participating agencies’ headquarters.
The Get involved! Opportunities for young people in the community program was funded by the State Government of Victoria through the School Focused Youth Service program.