Urgent EOFY Appeal as PCYC NSW Employability Programs Change Lives

Amber Griffin

With the end of the financial year (EOFY) fast approaching, youth charity PCYC NSW is urging the community to dig deep and make a tax-deductible donation to its life-changing youth employability programs before June 30.

Each year, more than 500 participants across the State are supported with hands-on training, mentoring and career pathways, helping to break cycles of disadvantage and reduce youth unemployment and crime. For every $1 invested in PCYC, $7.76 is returned to NSW in economic, health and social benefits, calculated with the support of KPMG.

This week, a cohort of 19 participants in Western Sydney graduated from the 12-month Stepping Up program, which supports school leavers aged 17 to 21 with the connections, skills and qualifications they need to build a career.

At 17, Mahmoud Elcheikh was experiencing a period of uncertainty after dropping out of school, when a friend told him about the benefits of the program.

“I didn’t have anywhere to go, and then I found PCYC. I was struggling to find work and the staff helped me a lot through resume creation and interview processes and got me to where I am now. I have landed a job with a bricklaying company which I plan to stay in long term. I now have a dream of starting my own business one day.” Said Mahmoud.

The latest Stepping Up cohort is unique in that for the first time ever, every participant joined the program solely through word-of-mouth referrals rather than recruitment through schools. This reflects the increasing demand for PCYC youth employability programs, as youth unemployment rises above 11 per cent – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Through Stepping Up, graduate Tyran Carr secured an Indigenous Scholarship with Commonwealth Bank, setting him up for a future in the banking industry.

“The program taught me workplace etiquette and supplied me with professional clothes to wear to work; I look forward to building a career in banking. I believe everyone has a place at PCYC – the opportunities you get can be powerful.”

Tax deductible donations also support the 10-week Fit for Work program designed to help disengaged young people transition back into work or education. While the Job Ready course equips students will the skills and qualifications needed to secure their first job.

To donate or learn more, visit pcycnsw.org.au/donate

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Urgent EOFY Appeal as PCYC NSW Employability Programs Change Lives

Amber Griffin

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