FINDING a work pathway for young people is a bit like completing a jig-saw puzzle.

Local youth Tristan Leonard said finding his pathway was made easier because of access to fee-free, local training and Mission Australia’s local Transition to Work (TtW) team.

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“It’s been amazing starting work at Blue Gum Café in Macksville,” Tristan said.

“Everybody has been so supportive, and I love making coffees and talking with customers.

“It feels great to be working.”

Tristan was supported into work through Mission Australia’s Transition to Work team.

Jess Harpley, TtW’s Youth Employment Specialist, supported him to explore career pathways and local opportunities.

NV College’s Barista Essentials course was discussed and identified as a positive pathway for Tristan.

Delivered by NV College, Barista Essentials is part of the NSW Government Department of Education’s Summer Skills campaign, which aims to help young people gain employment over the summer.

Tristan completed this fee-free, four-day course in September and was then offered a hospitality traineeship through NVC Group, which runs Blue Gum and Zen cafés in Macksville and Riverside Gardens café in Nambucca Heads.

NV College General Manager Karen Busby welcomed this outcome and said it was the goal of NV College to provide opportunities for locals.

“While care training is our college’s speciality, I’m pleased Barista Essentials is providing local youth with the skills and confidence to gain a job,” Ms Busby said.

“NVC Group are always seeking to hire good hotel service workers and carers to support our community’s elderly people, so employment with our community-owned organisation is often possible after students complete their training.”

If you’re a school leaver aged 15-24 and are unsure of your employment or education pathway, Mission Australia’s TtW team may be able to help.

“We support early school leavers and our goal is to connect local young people to employers, education or community,” Transition to Work Program Manager Nicole Baade said.

“TtW is a rewarding and helpful program.

“This assistance is tailored to a young person’s individual needs.

“Collaborating with NVC Group has been a great experience for all parties, where training and employment opportunities have been created; making a positive impact in the lives of local young people.”

The next fee-free Summer Skills courses at NV College in Macksville start this month (November) and include barista training and care ready training.

To enquire, contact NV College on (02) 6568 2100 or training@nvcollege.edu.au.

To connect with Mission Australia’s TtW team based in Nambucca Heads contact 0483 012 467.