BOQ Wilsonton Help Early School Leavers Find Work

Friday, 06/03/2009

Bank of Queensland Wilsonton has partnered with DISCO Get Set for Work program to give early school leavers a better chance of gaining work.

The Get Set for Work Program, funded by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations’ Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative will provide participants with employment skills, knowledge, training and experience.

Get Set for Work is aimed at 15 – 17 year olds who left school prior to completing Year 12 and have been unsuccessful in gaining employment.

Bank of Queensland Wilsonton Owner-Manager Charlie Aston said finding a job can be hard work at the best of times and even more difficult in a downturn in the economy. 

“In the economic downturn we’re currently seeing, unemployment is rising so it’s even more important to give these young people all the help we can,” said Charlie.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the students over the next three months while they complete the program and hopefully we’ll be able to make a real difference to their employment prospects.” 

The current group of students have enrolled through the Smith Family and are undertaking the Essimoney course, an on-line financial literacy program supported by Bank of Queensland.

As part of their Get Set for Work program they will be visiting Charlie and his team at Bank of Queensland Wilsonton branch to gain an insight into the daily workings of a bank branch.

Charlie and his wife Donna, who is also a partner in the branch, will also visit the students throughout the course to offer guidance and support and provide written feedback on the students’ readiness and suitability for work following a work simulation day.

Charlie said, “It’s great to be involved in a program where we are making a real difference to someone’s life. Being given a chance in life is sometimes just what people need. We’ve all been there at some stage in our lives and will always remember the people who gave us a go.”

Belinda Dahl, Manager of DISCO’s Get Set for Work Program said it’s fantastic to have the support of Bank of Queensland.
“Our program is very hands-on, and we like to give the students first hand experience with business people like Charlie. His knowledge of the financial sector, and experience as an employer and business owner make this partnership with Bank of Queensland very valuable to our students.”

“What the students will learn from people like Charlie and his staff is more than what we as staff can hope to offer, as we are not specialists in this field, and the students are more likely to observe and learn from people who know what they're talking about."

The first group of students for 2009 will graduate from the Get Set for Work program in June where one high achiever will be awarded a Bank of Queensland savings account with $100.